Jim Reif, NBC 2 Director of Meteorology, dies of injuries, after a bicycling accident on Ben Hill Griffen Parkway in Fort Myers.

It is with a heavy heart that we report that NBC2 Director of Meteorology Jim Reif passed away last night at 10:38 p.m.

Jim was involved in a tragic bicycle accident Sunday afternoon. While riding his bike on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, his bicycle hit a sign, throwing him to the ground. Jim hit his head on the curb and suffered traumatic injuries to the head.

First responders were able to get to the scene in a matter of minutes because the accident happened less than a mile away from the fire station. It's unclear what caused the accident.

Jim had just recently become engaged to be married.

Jim Reif was a household name in Southwest Florida. In 1979, Jim started his television career in Fort Myers and he quickly earned his reputation as a hurricane specialist. He joined Waterman Broadcasting in 1999 as the Chief Meteorologist for ABC7, and more recently he moved to NBC2 and became the Director of Meteorology for the company's television stations.

For well over two decades, Jim was also a pioneer in a proactive hurricane awareness program in tandem with the National Hurricane Center and local divisions of Emergency Management in Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Glades and Hendry counties.

Jim's weathercasts were awarded the American Meteorological Society's Seal of Approval. Jim was also honored as the Naples Daily News Person of the Year in 2004 for his leadership in Waterman Broadcasting's coverage of Hurricane Charley.

Please continue to keep Jim's family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.