Michael Prater, 42, dies after bicycle collision with alleged hit-and-run driver Melinda Woodall, 34, at U.S. Route 52 and Asbury Road in Anderson Township, Ohio

Modified Date:

Tue, 02/09/2016 - 1:39pm

Accident Date:

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Police: Drugs suspected in hit-and-run crash that injured bicyclist

A bicyclist is in critical condition after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Anderson Township. Officers said Woodall fled the scene, not stopping to help the injured bicyclist. Police said “drugs are believed to have contributed to the crash.” The bicyclist, a 42-year-old man, was taken to UC Medical Center, where he is in critical condition, police said. Woodall was taken into custody and later admitted to the hit-and-run, police said. Officials said Melinda Woodall, 34, was driving westbound on U.S. route 52 when she struck a man riding a bicycle on the right shoulder.

Bicyclist injured in Anderson Twp. hit-skip crash dies of his injuries

Sunday near the intersection of U.S. Route 52 and Asbury Road. Officials said a resident described Woodall to police and she was found nearby. Their physical fight within the car distracted her and that was the reason she struck the bicyclist. A bicyclist has died a day after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Anderson Township. Officials said Melinda Woodall, 34, was driving westbound on U.S. Route 52 when she struck Michael Prater, while he was riding a bicycle on the right shoulder.

Police: Bicyclist struck by SUV in hit-and-run dies

The sheriff's statement says the vehicle driven by 34-year-old Melinda Woodall, of Amelia, struck Prater after drifting onto the shoulder of the road. Authorities say Woodall left Prater in the road and fled. The Hamilton County sheriff's office says 42-year-old Michael Prater died Monday morning after he was struck while riding his bicycle Sunday in the Cincinnati suburb of Anderson Township. Court records show Woodall was charged with aggravated vehicular assault, leaving the scene of an accident and possession of drugs and drug instruments. A sheriff's spokesman said the charges would be upgraded with a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide.

Driver indicted in hit-and-run death of cyclist Michael Prater

Woodall’s aggravated vehicular assault charge was upgraded to aggravated vehicular homicide after Prater died. Hamilton County sheriff's investigators said Woodall was heading westbound on U.S. Route 52 when she struck Michael Prater while he was riding a bike on the right shoulder. Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters announced Tuesday that Melinda Woodall, 34, faces seven charges related to the death of Michael Prater, who was struck by a car in Anderson Township in January. She's also now facing an additional charge of aggravated vehicular homicide, according to the prosecutor's office. A grand jury has indicted a woman accused of killing a bicyclist in a hit-and-run accident.

After a serious or fatal bicycle accident, take these steps to help the recovery process

When someone is seriously injured in a bicycle accident, the first days and weeks are spent getting medical treatment and dealing with the new reality of injuries, pain, lost work, and disruption to normal life. When someone dies in a crash, family members are forced to deal with grief, anger, and loss as they struggle to move forward.

After a serious or fatal bicycle collision, an injured person, or the family left behind, incur damages including the cost of current and future medical expenses, lost work and wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. When the crash is caused by a negligent driver, there may be financial recovery available for the victims.

Go here to learn how to protect the legal rights of bicycle accident victims and their families.

Type: Bicycle Accident

Topics:

Hit and Run

People Involved:

Melinda Woodall

Michael Prater

Roadway:

U.S. Route 52 and Asbury Road

County:

Hamilton County, OH

Area:

Cincinnati, OH