Here's What's Hot On CBS11TV.com:
Jun 8, 2008 10:21 pm US/Central
GPPD: Mansfield Bicyclists Killed By Drunk Driver
GRAND PRAIRIE (CBS 11 News) ―
Family and friends are mourning two bicyclists killed in Grand Prairie by a suspected drunk driver.
Police say the driver, 24-year-old Kenneth Bain, was coming from a bachelor party at 8:15 a.m. Sunday.
Bain, according to police, struck Meredith Hatch and Mike Alfaro from behind with a Lincoln Navigator. The collision was so harsh it tore up the hood of the car and killed the two cyclists instantly.
Hatch and Alfaro both usually ride with their cycling group. But friends say they were the only two bicyclists who wanted to train on Sunday morning. "They usually park over by the marina by Joe Pool Lake," said Kim Kucera, Hatch's friend. "It's something they do they did often."
Both of the cyclists were from Mansfield and loved in their community. Hatch built two educational daycares. One of them had just recently opened.
Friends say there were two things Hatch cared about most: family and cycling. Pictures show her with them at a recent Ironman competition at Disneyworld in Florida.
"They all went and cheered her on," said Kucera. "She had to finish the last mile running barefoot because she got dirt in her shoes she got blisters."
Her shoes will now be impossible to fill.
"With all the groups she touched, rotary, Mansfield school… whoever was able to meet her was lucky," said Kucera.
Hatch's 12-year-old son wants to start an award for people who show the kind of character his mom had.
Alfaro is survived by his wife Alisa Alfaro.
Bain is charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter. His bond has been set at $50,000, but he could bail out with just $5,000.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Popular Slideshows On CBS11TV.COM
