UGA Student Cyclist Killed By Drugged Driver: Police

ATHENS, GA — A University of Georgia student who was out for a bicycle ride was killed Monday night by a driver police say was under the influence of drugs.

Ashley Block, 25, died in the wreck on Athena Drive in Athens and two other cyclists were injured.

According to Athens-Clarke County jail records, Whitney Baker Howard, of Hull, was booked into jail at 11:26 p.m. Monday.

She was being held without bond Tuesday on charges including vehicular homicide, driving under the influence of drugs, child endangerment and using a mobile phone while driving.

Police say Howard's Jeep Liberty crossed the center line and struck all three cyclists. She had a 2-year-old child in her jeep at the time of the crash, police say.

The Hub Bicycles, a bike shop on S. Milledge Ave. in Athens, said on Facebook that the cyclists were part of a group ride that had been organized at the shop.

"We pray for the loss of our friend and for the other injured rider," the shop said in the post from Tuesday morning. "We will be closed today to mourn and process the events which transpired yesterday evening."

Both other cyclists, whose names were not released, were taken to the hospital after the crash. One was treated and released, while the other remained hospitalized Tuesday, police said.

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