News

"Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears the driver of the involved vehicle had the green light at the intersection and was turning right on to Broadway from West Wabash Ave.," a EPD news release states. "The bicyclist was traveling against traffic on Broadway through a red light when he was struck by the vehicle as it entered the intersection. It does not appear the driver saw Burns in the road."

According to the EPD, an off-duty doctor stopped to help, but Burns died at the scene. The case remains under investigation.

On October 24, 2020, at about 10:47 a.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to the intersection of Broadway and West Wabash Avenue for the report of a vehicle vs. bicyclist collision.

The male bicyclist was located down on the roadway suffering from major injuries. A passing off-duty doctor stopped to assist and Humboldt Bay Fire and City Ambulance arrived shortly after. The male was pronounced deceased by medical personnel on scene and the Coroner responded.

The next of kin has been notified and the male bicyclist has been identified as Thomas Burns, 67 of Eureka. Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears the driver of the involved vehicle had the green light at the intersection and was turning right on to Broadway from West Wabash Ave. The bicyclist was traveling against traffic on Broadway through a red light when he was struck by the vehicle as it entered the intersection. It does not appear the driver saw Burns in the road.

Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor. This is an active investigation and additional information will be released if available. Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact Detective Watson at (707) 441-4032. The Eureka Police Department would like to thank all those who immediately jumped out to help during this tragic accident.