There has been an outpouring of grief following the death of a “true gentleman of cycling” who died in a freak road accident after his tyre became stuck in a part normally used to attach trailers to cars.
Peter Fitzgerald, 63, fell from his bicycle near the corner of Dooley Street and St James Crescent in the south-west Victorian city of Warrnambool at about 10.40am on Sunday morning.
Paramedics were called to the scene and Mr Fitzgerald was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition, but two days later, he succumbed to his injuries.
Barry Warren was traveling with Mr. Fitzgerald at the time of the accident.
“We ended our trip just the three of us, talking and going home,” said Warrn, who was friends with Fitzgerald for 30 years.
‘We were only going 23 or 25 km/h, just going home. A speed that allowed us to talk to each other.’
Tragically, Mr Fitzgerald’s front wheel hit a D-shaped shackle, normally used to hitch a trailer to a car, causing him to fall off his bike.
“One of them lodged in his front tire and it was kind of weird,” Warren said.
‘Just one second in time and it’s terrible.’
Peter Fitzgerald, 63, succumbed to injuries after falling off his bike on Sunday in the Victorian town of Warrnambool.
Mr Warren said he could see his friend had suffered catastrophic head and back injuries.
“The firefighters, police and ambulance were all there and they were just amazing,” Warren said.
‘The work they did was just amazing’
Mr Warren said he had done hundreds of rides with Mr Fitzgerald, who was the youngest person to complete the 270km Melbourne to Warrnambool cycle race at just 16.
“He was just a good man, he didn’t upset anybody’s established order, he was a good family man and a hard worker,” Warren said.
The Warrnambool Cycling Club posted a tribute to Mr Fitzgerald on Facebook and announced they would be organising a ride in his honour.
Mr Fitzgerald had been a keen member of the Warrnambool Cycling Club since his teenage years.
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our dear friend and fellow cyclist Peter (Fitzy) Fitzgerald,” the post read.
‘Our thoughts are with his wife Lisa, son Tom, daughter Georgia and the rest of his family.
‘Fitzy has been a committed member of the club since he was a youth player and he will be greatly missed.
‘To remember Fitzy in lieu of our club ride, we’re inviting riders to join us this Sunday morning at 8.30am on Aberline Rd just outside Anchor Point for a Cudgee loop ride finishing in town for a coffee.’
Mr. Fitzgerald’s wife, Lisa, also posted the notice of his death on Facebook.
“It is with great sadness that we regret to announce that Peter Fitzgerald lost his life in an unexpected bicycle accident on Sunday morning and passed away today with irreparable injuries,” the post said.
‘Special thanks to Barry Warren and Bill Murphy for desperately trying to save his life and to the wonderful Warrnambool Ambo’s and Royal Melbourne staff.
“Life won’t be the same without Peter. Love to your family: Lisa, Georgia, Tom, Maria, Louis and Kai.
Messages of love and support flooded both posts.
Mr. Fitzgerald, whom we remember, is survived by his wife Lisa, son Tom and daughter Georgia.
“Peter Fitzgerald was a good man,” Barry Warren wrote in the cycling club’s publication.
-I’ll miss you Fitzy.
“A true gentleman of cycling,” said another.
“There are no words, I am so sorry for your loss,” one person wrote.
‘Such a gentle, soft-spoken soul, kind neighbour for over 25 years, my heart goes out to Lisa, Georgia and Tom xx’.
“Peter was a beautiful person who will be greatly missed,” said another.
The tragic accident happened when the front wheel of Mr Fitzgerald’s bike came off the road, causing a D-shaped shackle, normally used to attach trailers to cars, to be caught.
“Remembering old school days on Caramut Rd, lovely lad, hold on to your lovely memories Georgia and Tom, all our love and deepest sympathy at this very sad time,” another commented.
A police spokesman said the crash was still under investigation and anyone with relevant information was urged to come forward.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.