Authorities identified 60-year-old George Cooper as the man who lost his life after a bicycle accident Saturday morning in Buckeye.

The fatal hit-and-run collision took place on Jackrabbit Trail near Beloat Road. The investigation reports showed that Fernando Ramos was driving his Chevrolet truck on Jackrabbit Trail when his truck slammed into a bicyclist, dragged him along the road, and ran him down before leaving the scene.

The reports also revealed that Cooper was biking in the northeastern lane with a small trailer when he was struck. Cooper died of his injuries at the scene. Ramos did not stop to help him or call police. After getting a description of the suspect car from tips, police pulled over Ramos approximately 10 miles away.

The officer noticed smoke and damage on the front of the truck. The officer questioned if he had been in a crash, and investigators say Ramos immediately responded by claiming that he did not see Cooper when the incident happened.

He later informed investigators that he panicked and called his wife several times. Police believe that Ramos was speeding when the collision occurred. Ramos was detained and faces a manslaughter charge along with a charge of hit-and-run resulting in death or injury. No other information is available.

An investigation is ongoing.

May 24, 2022

Source: 12 News