Bicylist In Fatal Crash Identified: East Providence Police

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI—A 21-year old Dean's List student at Rhode Island College died Monday night after an SUV struck his bicycle, police said. Ethan Simpson, 21, of Riverside, was pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital. The accident happened around 10:40 p.m. The East Providence police and Fire Department responded to a call about a car into a bicycle at Willett and Arrowhead avenues.

According to police, officers found the bicyclist unresponsive in the roadway. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he died despite lifesaving efforts by the East Providence Fire Department.

Police said an initial investigation by the East Providence Police Traffic and Detective Division has determined the vehicle, an older model SUV, was travelling south on Willett Avenue, approaching Arrowhead Avenue. The bicyclist was travelling north on Willett Avenue, approaching Arrowhead Avenue. The vehicle turned left on to Arrowhead Avenue and the bicyclist and vehicle came into collision. It does not appear speed or alcohol was a factor in the accident at this time. No charges have been filed against the operator of the vehicle at his time and the investigation continues.

Simpson lived with his parents, who said he was an avid bike rider who tragically lost his life doing what he loved. A dean’s list student at Rhode Island College, he "was adored by his family and will be greatly missed by them."