UPDATED: 2 Ironman competitors involved in collision with vehicle near Ghost Bikes Memorial

Two Ironman competitors were involved in a collision with a vehicle nearby the Ghost Bike Memorial on Telegraph Street, Washington, Utah, Oct. 29, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Two Ironman competitors were involved in a bicycle collision with a vehicle on Telegraph Street less than a mile north of the Ghost Bikes Memorial close to the community of Coral Canyon.

Two Ironman competitors were involved in a collision with a vehicle nearby the Ghost Bike Memorial on Telegraph Street, Washington, Utah, Oct. 29, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

Emergency medical services were dispatched at about 11 a.m. to the scene near Telegraph Street and Landfill Road

The vehicle involved in the collision was a gray Jeep Renegade with heavy extensive damage on the back of the vehicle, including a broken rear window. No other damage was visible.

A black Argon 18 Bicycle and another black unknown brand bicycle were lying near the middle of Telegraph Street. A pair of blue athletic shoes, a white helmet, a green water bottle, and several pieces of unknown material were scattered around the two bicycles. Crime scene evidence labels were set up. There was blood visible.

The condition of the competitors and the vehicle driver are currently unknown. The competitors were transported by ambulance to a medical facility.

About a 2-mile area of Telegraph Street was closed off during the emergency response to the incident and the investigation. Law enforcement authorities termed it a “crime scene.”

Fifteen police units, including Washington City police, St. George Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Utah Tech University Police Department along with Hurricane Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. The investigation ended with the crime scene being cleaned and roads reopened at approximately 2:20 p.m.

Lt. Kory Klotz of the Washington City Police Department said the accident is being handled by the local law enforcement agencies, and the release of the information pertaining to what occurred at the scene will be handled by the Ironman organization.

This collision incident involving bicyclists competing in an athletic event comes six months after two bicyclists competing in the Spring Tour of St. George were killed by an impaired driver on April 9.

Ironman Group released the following statement by email to St. George News concerning the incident:

We are aware of an incident that occurred during the bike portion of the second day of competition at the 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, involving an automobile and two athletes. Both athletes were transported to a nearby hospital where they continue to receive treatment. The well-being of our competitors is paramount, and we are grateful for the work of medical personnel and local law enforcement. We wish both athletes a full and speedy recovery and will continue to support them and their family. All further inquiries should be directed to the Washington City local authorities.

This report is based on statements from observations at the scene and statements from law enforcement officials and may not contain the full scope of findings.

This article will be updated as more information is released.

Update: Oct. 29, 7:05 p.m. – Statement from Ironman Group concerning incident added.

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