‘Sad and frustrating.’ Critics raise FHP concerns after Bradenton cyclist dies
The Florida Highway Patrol is facing criticism after nearly two weeks without any charges or citations in a fatal crash that killed a beloved cyclist.
Troopers say a 24-year-old Sarasota man driving a BMW 330ci entered a designated bike lane along 53rd Avenue West near 66th Street West around 4:25 a.m. May 16 and hit Craig Prather, 48.
Prather died at the scene, according to FHP.
As of Thursday evening, the crash remains under investigation and no arrests have been made. An FHP spokesperson told the Bradenton Herald “the right thing will be done” once the investigation is complete.
But the lack of updates has fueled frustration and speculation online, particularly among local cyclists and people who knew Prather.
Friends question fatal crash investigation
In a Facebook video filmed at the crash scene, fellow cyclist Richard Traugott, who became friends with Prather in 2010 while working alongside him at Ringling Bikes, said cyclists take multiple precautions to stay safe while riding.
“We pick these roads because they’re well lit,” Traugott said. “We ride early in the morning for less car traffic. We use bike lights to make ourselves more visible. We wear helmets to be safe.”
“Craig did all of those things, and still he was struck and killed in that spot,” Traugott said.
In the same Facebook post, which had drawn over 200 comments as of Thursday afternoon, Traugott questioned why no enforcement action had been announced despite troopers publicly stating the BMW entered the bike lane before the crash.
“How can FHP complete an on-scene investigation determine that Craig was in the bike lane, that the vehicle left the roadway, and a fatality occurred,” Traugott wrote, “and not complete a blood draw or field sobriety test? Or at a minimum, issue a citation for failure to maintain lane.”
The post drew comments from cyclists and community members questioning whether FHP investigators examined cellphone records, nearby surveillance footage or possible driver distraction.
“Check the phone records and you will find your answer,” one commenter wrote.
“It still baffles me that this innocent man was killed while doing everything correctly while the driver was allowed to walk free,” another commenter wrote. “So sad and frustrating.”
Other local cyclists described how news of the crash made it difficult for them to find the courage to ride.
FHP spokesperson Kenneth Watson said troopers did conduct a DUI investigation the night of the crash.
“In regards to a DUI, that investigation took place ... was done properly. We had supervisors on scene,” Watson said.
“Had this driver been impaired, there would have been an arrest,” he added. “However, the investigation did not yield that.”
Other commenters questioned whether investigators examined cellphone records or nearby surveillance footage, while several expressed concern about cyclist safety on local roads.
Memorial ride for cyclists killed
Prather was also memorialized during last week’s Ride of Silence in Sarasota, an annual event honoring cyclists killed or injured on public roads.
During remarks before the ride, speakers described Prather and another recently killed cyclist, Patrick Franklin Sr., as “cherished members of our community” whose deaths were “deeply felt” within the local cycling community.
Franklin, 67, died in January after a flatbed truck towing a trailer struck him while he was riding along El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton. Franklin was an avid cyclist and member of the Village Idiots Cycling Club, according to previous Bradenton Herald reporting.
Sarasota and Manatee counties ranked among the deadliest counties in the nation for cyclists in a 2024 analysis of federal highway safety data published by The Guardian.
Several commenters said the crashes made them hesitant to ride on local roads, even in designated bike lanes.
“This is why I will ride on the sidewalk even if there is a bike lane,” one commenter wrote. “Too many distracted drivers.”
FHP responds to investigation criticism
Watson said the agency’s Traffic Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the crash and gather evidence before determining what charges or citations could be issued.
Watson said investigators are still working to determine exactly what caused the crash and stressed that troopers want to make sure the case is “right the first time” before issuing citations or making an arrest.
“I feel 100% that when you guys see the report coming out ... everyone will understand,” Watson said.
Watson said “the wheels of justice do move slowly, but they are moving.”
Watson cautioned that fatal crashes do not always result in criminal charges or jail time, even when someone is determined to be at fault.
“The person who is at fault in this crash will be given the justice that we can get as a law enforcement agency,” Watson said.
