KENAI — A 50-year-old Soldotna bicyclist was struck and killed on Sterling Highway by a Ford F350 commercial vehicle operated by Nikiski man.
The bicyclist, Vanessa Wilkes, and 40-year-old Charles Kuntz, the operator of the vehicle, were headed northbound when Wilkes swerved into the lane of traffic around 4 p.m. Thursday, according to a troopers dispatch. Central Emergency Services also responded and personnel pronounced Wilkes dead at the scene.
The cause of death will be determined by the State Medical Examiner said CES Captain Reed Quinton who was on duty at the time of the accident.
The victim was not transported from where the collision occurred, he said.
Following the accident, troopers diverted northbound traffic to the ATV trail that parallels the highway, Quinton said.
The Sterling Highway was closed for approximately two hours while the scene was documented, and reopened at 6 p.m., according to the dispatch. Next of kin have been notified.
Troopers are investigating the accident.
• Kelly Sullivan is a reporter for the Peninsula Clarion. She can be reached at kelly.sullivan@peninsulaclarion.com.
