What I learned today, reflections on death of cyclist Darcy Sheppard
Life is fragile
By Kris Scheuer
Opinion
This display at Toronto Police headquarters reminds us that as of Sept. 3, 22 people have died in traffic accidents in Toronto so far this year. Photo by Kris Scheuer.
My day started like many in this city with news that a cyclist had died last night after a confrontation with a car driver on Bloor Street West.
I heard the news on CBC Radio when I woke up.
My dad called me on my cell before I even got to work as speculation was former St. Paul’s MPP Michael Bryant was the one allegedly driving the vehicle that struck the cyclist.
When I arrived at work, the Town Crier newspaper, my colleague Brian Baker was already working on the story. Click here to read his article.
Toronto Police have now charged Bryant with criminal negligence causing death and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.
The name of the cyclist who died also been released as Darcy Allan Sheppard.
Reports on the accident are quite horrific.
Cyclist Sheppard was dragged several metres after a confrontation allegedly arose between him and the driver of a convertible near Bay and Bloor Sts. at around 9:45 pm last night, Baker reports for the Town Crier.
After words were exchanged and the driver, believed to be Bryant, continued heading west where a minor fender-bender occurred between the cyclist and the driver, Constable Hugh Smith of Toronto Police’s Traffic Services told journalist Baker.
Afterward the cyclist approached the driver and grabbed hold of the car.
“He became unattached by whatever means and fell and hit the ground,” Smith said. “He received severe injuries and was transported to a trauma hospital.
Former Ontario Attorney General Bryant released a statement tonight.
“I would, however, like to extend my deepest condolences to the family involved,” reads part of the statement by Bryant, which he made before media this evening.
On Sept. 2, Bryant resigned as CEO of Invest Toronto. Read his full statement here.
And Mayor David Miller accepted Bryant’s resignation with a statement of his own on the city’s web site.
In my opinion, the whole incident is tragic and sad for all involved: Sheppard, his friends and family, and Bryant and his loved ones.
Kris Scheuer 