Two members of a Texas triathlon club were killed over the weekend while riding their bikes, authorities said, leaving friends and fellow athletes stunned and grieving.
Officers responded to reports of a collision involving two cyclists and a vehicle on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 20, on FM 455 East, just east of Fritcher Road in Denton County, the Pilot Point Police Department said in a news release.
Emergency responders arrived and administered life-saving measures at the scene. The cyclists were taken to area hospitals but later died from their injuries, police said.
The vehicle involved drove a short distance away and then returned to the scene before officers arrived, according to police, who said the driver was cooperative.
“The investigation is still ongoing at this time,” police said.
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On Saturday, the Frisco Triathlon Club identified the victims as Andre Kocher and Scott Mages.
“Scott and Andre were much more than more than fellow triathletes — they were part of our community,” the club said in a statement on Facebook. “They showed up, shared the road and swim lane with us, encouraged others, and embodied the spirit of why this club exists: connection, support, and a shared love of the sport.”
“Our deepest sympathies go out to their families, friends, and loved ones. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement continued.
The club has also established a GoFundMe in honor of Kocher and Mages to benefit the nonprofit League of American Bicyclists, which supports safety and education, according to the fundraiser description.
“This fund is not about tragedy alone, but about legacy,” the GoFundMe states. “It is about turning our grief into action and helping protect others who share the road — so fewer families and communities have to experience this kind of loss.”
The Frisco Running Club also honored the pair with a special run this week.
Tommy Johnson, a longtime friend of Kocher and Mages, told Fox station KDFW he was shocked to learn of the deaths through a text message.
“There’s lots of things we do to try to be safe for sure,” Johnson said, “but we’re always at the mercy of the motorists.”
Matthew Olivolo, an Ironman triathlete from North Texas, also called the incident devastating, according to NBC station KXAS.
“This is tragic for all cyclists and ironman triathletes,” he said. “I can only imagine what the families are going through with this tragic loss. And my prayers go out to them.”
