Ryan Holyk, 15, killed in bicycle crash with police officer on May 23 in Spokane.

Modified Date: 
Wed, 03/02/2016 - 3:05pm
Accident Date: 
Thursday, May 22, 2014

Sheriff says deputy violated policies in bicycle crash case

The Spokesman Review reports that Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich didn't say whether Deputy Joseph Bodman will face disciplinary actions. Three investigations said Bodman's SUV didn't hit Holyk, but some witnesses said he was hit. The Spokane County Sheriff says a deputy violated policies when he raced through Spokane Valley without his lights or siren and narrowly missed a teenage bicyclist who crashed and died. They say Holyk stopped his bike in time, but he flipped over his handlebars and landed on his head. The sheriff said Bodman should have been using his emergency equipment.

Team revisits site of crash that killed local teen

“The ultimate goal here is a thorough investigation,” said SPD spokesperson Monique Cotton. “We don't really have a timeline at this point, but we're working as quickly as possible to not only diagram the scene but also get all the pieces together. We want to know exactly what happened, when it happened, and how it happened.”

Did trees cause wreck that killed local teen?

The owner of a local restaurant said trees near his business are a hazard, contributing to crashes like the one that killed a teenager in May.

Teen hit by Spokane Co. deputy’s car dies

The mother of Ryan Holyk posted on Facebook Wednesday night the family decided to take the 15-year-old off his ventilator. The family also said Holyk’s organs would be donated.

Teenager injured in collision with Spokane Valley police officer

The officer was heading west on Sprague. Witnesses said the officer tried to avoid the teen, but clipped the bike and sent him spinning.

Investigators: Deputy never hit bicyclist who died after crash

However, going that fast without lights or sirens could be a violation of departmental policy and Bodman, a 25-year veteran of the force at the time of the incident, could be disciplined for that.

No charges for Spokane deputy in fatal bike crash

The Spokane prosecutor's office says a sheriff's deputy will not be charged in the death of a 15-year-old in a bike accident last May in Spokane Valley.

Thieves take memorial bike from Spokane Valley crash site

A friend of the family decided to put up a memorial outside Charlie P's, where the accident happened. They came back later to find that the memorial had been stolen.

Lawyers want deputy held accountable for teen's fatal bike accident

Maurer, who represents Holyk's parents, say lights and a siren may have given the teen time to get out of Bodman's way. They think even if there was no contact between the bike and patrol car Bodman is still responsible for him hitting the pavement and fracturing his skull.

Parents of Ryan Holyk file lawsuit against Spokane County

The Holyk's attorney, Mike Maurer, told KHQ they may dispute that finding at trial, but either way they believe the family is entitled to compensatory damages.

A Spokane Valley police officer on his way to a call around 10:30 p.m. Friday hit a teenage bicyclist at Sprague Avenue and Vista Road. The officer was heading west on Sprague. Witnesses said the officer tried to avoid the teen, but clipped the bike and sent him spinning. Signs placed at the scene of the crash and Facebook posts identify him as 15-year-old Ryan Holyk, a former West Valley High School student. Tim Viall had just arrived at Charlie P’s, a restaurant and bar at Sprague and Vista, when he heard a screech and thud from the collision. He said he heard what sounded like an accelerating motor, so he backed his truck out of its parking space to get a look at the car driving away. Viall saw Holyk lying in the east crosswalk across Sprague and said he parked his truck facing the wrong way on one-way Sprague to illuminate the boy. He rushed to the Holyk’s side as the officer pulled up and blocked traffic. Bicycle accidents are typically tragic as the rider is incredibly vulnerable to injury from the larger, heavier vehicle. Learn more here about Spokane bicycle accidents and insurance claims.

People Involved: 
Ryan Holyk
Joseph Bodman

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