Friends Remember 2 Cyclists Killed
Friends Remember 2 Cyclists Killed Save Email Print
Posted: 8:34 PM Aug 7, 2008
Last Updated: 11:02 PM Aug 7, 2008
Reporter: McKenzie Martin
Email Address: mmartin@kktv.com

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The cycling community in Colorado Springs is mourning the loss of two of their own. 28-year-old Jayson Kilroy and 30-year-old Edgar Juarez, also known as E.J. were killed Wednesday night when they were hit by a truck at the intersection of 26th Street and Westend Avenue.

Police say Juarez and Kilroy were riding with three other cyclists when they were hit and there is no evidence to suggest that the group contributed to the crash in any way. Police say they were following the rules of the road and were all wearing helmets.

Friends of the victims gathered at the crash site Wednesday, they put together a large makeshift memorial with pictures, flowers and two bikes.

"I miss them so much, it just doesn't make sense,” said their friend Tori Rust.

Friends say Jayson and E.J. loved riding their bikes more than anything, they also both worked together at a local bike shop, Colorado Cyclist. Scott Boyer was a co-worker and E.J.’s roommate.

"There's a big chunk missing, a lot of heavy hearts at the Cyclist. A big piece of the cycling community was lost," Boyer said.

He says now they're just trying to focus on all the good times, most spent together on bike rides. He says E.J. was always the toughest one in the group.

"He was super tough, he rode six days a week sometimes two times a day," Boyer said.

And as they mourn, they admit there is some comfort knowing their two friends died doing what they loved.

"It just hasn't sunk in yet," Rust said.

But nothing right now nothing can take away their pain, they just hope their memorial will serve as a reminder to those who drive by.

"I just hope that maybe there's a little bit more awareness for people on the road, instead of blaming cyclists for taking up the road be more aware of them," Boyer said.

So no more lives have to be lost.

Jayson and E.J.’s friends rode from Wooglins Deli on Tejon St. to the scene of the crash Thursday night, a memorial bike ride to honor their two friends.

Kilroy was from Michigan, E.J. from Illinois, friends say their funerals will be held in their home states.

Police say 63-year-old Barbara Thomas was driving the truck that struck the two men.

She's been charged with vehicular homicide and investigators say she was under the influence of drugs, most likely prescription medications at the time of the crash.

Police say Thomas was also not wearing corrective lenses and she is required to do so.

She allegedly made an illegal left hand turn and hit Juarez and Kilroy head-on, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

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Posted by: critical mASS Location: Los Angeles on Aug 12, 2008 at 05:57 PM
cyclist don't abide to the laws. they block traffic and only get into single file when they feel like it. they want to train for who knows what on roads meant for cars during rush hour. for some reason when they buy these 6000 dollar bikes it gives them elitist attitudes. i bet he was giving the finger to someone just trying to get to work.

Posted by: Blaine Location: 80918 on Aug 9, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Jayson is one of the nicest and most inspiring people I have ever met, even to this day, I can't imagine a world without him. Only the good die young.

Posted by: Shantel on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:22 PM
I think my uncle Egdar didn't deserved what he got my grandma does nothing but cry

Posted by: ryan Location: chicago on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:18 PM
EJ gave me his old bike helmet when i didn't have one.

Posted by: panpan Location: C-Springs on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:43 PM
It is difficult to comprehend the loss we have experienced in the cycling community. EJ and Jayson were both tremendous individuals and passionate about riding bikes. As Scott mentioned below, it is hard to understand why people focus on their personal beliefs in a time a tragedy...two lives were cut short because of a selfish decision. Cyclists do have to abide by the same laws as motorists, and whether or not you agree -- it is still the law. I know that this particular group of cyclists were very respectful of the law. They will be missed dearly by all of the lives they touched. RIP EJ & Jayson...you will not be forgotten.

Posted by: Carl Location: Colorado Springs on Aug 8, 2008 at 03:57 PM
I've known EJ for six years. I took him on his first ride up Gold Camp and Captain Jacks and even though he kept falling on the trails he never gave up. He became on of the strongest riders I know and was one of the most compassionate caring people I have ever met. I still can't believe I'll never see him again. To all his friends and family I'm sorry for our loss.

Posted by: scott Location: colorado springs on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:55 PM
I AM EJS ROOMMATE AND BEST FRIEND. JAYSON AND EJ WERE BOTH MY COWORKERS. I JUST WANT TO THANK ALL THE PEOPLE WITH KIND WORDS AND EVERYONE WHO SHOWED UP LAST NIGHT. IT WOULD HAVE MEANT A LOT TO THEM BOTH TO SEE ALL THOSE PEOPLE OUT THERE. IT HURTS ME AND THE FAMILIES OF EJ AND JAYSON TO SEE SOME OF THE HURTFUL THINGS PEOPLE ARE SAYING TRYING TO PLACE THE BLAME ON CYCLIST BEING ON THE ROAD ECT. REGARDLESS OF IF YOU AGREE WITH SHARING THE ROAD OR NOT THE FACT IS 2 PEOPLE DIED AND THOSE WORDS ARE A KNIFE IN THE STOMACH TO US THAT CARED FOR THEM. IT SEEMS TO BE IN BAD TASTE AND I AM SORRY YOU ALL FEEL THE NEED TO SAY SUCH THINGS AT SUCH A BAD TIME.

Posted by: Paul Location: Denver on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:53 AM
At 9:00 last night I met up with about 150 other cyclists at Wooglins Deli. Many of the riders were familiar and some I personally knew. We rode for a half hour to the intersection where this tragedy occurred. There was no mention of a public lynching. There was only sadness and love in the air. We all stood there in a gentle drizzle consumed in our own private thoughts. After about 20 minutes or so, some of EJ’s and Jayson’s closest friends broke the silence and told stories about their lives and the tight community in which we live and ride. More people then spoke. Little by little, we all went our separate ways. It was a beautiful experience. It is a tragic loss.