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GIBSONTON, Hillsborough County, Fla., Nov. 8, 2026 — A bicyclist died early Saturday morning, November 7, after being hit by a car on US 41 near Gibsonton, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The driver was arrested on a DUI manslaughter charge hours later.
A 37 year old Apollo Beach man was driving a Mazda sedan south on US 41 near Old US 41 shortly before 3:30 a.m. when the car struck a bicyclist riding along the west shoulder. Troopers said the bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
The affidavit states the driver told troopers he had been in a crash and said the bicyclist was in the center of the roadway. Troopers reported smelling alcohol on him and noted bloodshot, glossy eyes and trouble keeping his balance. He reportedly told troopers he had been at a bar in Ybor City and had four beers. During field sobriety exercises, troopers said he struggled to maintain his balance, stepped off a line and missed heel-to-toe steps.
The man was arrested shortly before 4:30 a.m. on a charge of DUI manslaughter, the affidavit says. He agreed to a breath test that reportedly showed an alcohol level of 0.162, more than twice Florida's legal limit of 0.08 for most drivers. He was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
More on Crashes in Gibsonton, FL
This crash happened on US-41 in Gibsonton, FL. We cover crashes across Hillsborough County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Hillsborough County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cyclists have the same rights to the road as drivers?
Yes. In Florida and most states, bicyclists are legally entitled to use public roads and must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers, though local rules on shoulder or lane use can vary.
Are crashes involving bicyclists more likely at intersections?
Many bicycle crashes happen at intersections or driveways where a vehicle crosses or turns into a cyclist's path, but collisions also occur along straight stretches of road, including shoulders, as this one reportedly did.
What injuries are most common for cyclists hit by vehicles?
Cyclists struck by cars commonly suffer head and spinal injuries, broken bones and internal injuries, since they have little protection compared to someone inside a vehicle.
What typically causes bicycle accidents?
Common factors include driver impairment, distraction, failure to yield, low visibility at night and speeding, though the specific cause of any crash is determined by investigators.
