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Bicyclist killed in Orange County hit-and-run crash

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run crash that left a bicyclist dead Friday.

Troopers said two cars were involved in the early morning crash, and one of the drivers fled the scene, but then turned himself in later on.

According to reports, Nicholas Smith, 20, was traveling on Colonial Drive near Tanner Road when he was struck by Daniel Strickler, 23, of Titusville.

Smith was thrown into the roadway, and then hit by a Honda Civic driven by Christian Mendoza.

Troopers originally thought three cars were involved, but then said there were only two.

Mendoza stayed at the scene, but Strickler turned himself in at FHP headquarters in Titusville about 4:30 p.m.

The accident has left bike riders in the area, who said they use the road daily, on edge.

“Speed limit signs and 'yield for deer,' but nothing for bicyclists,” said Mike Fredrick.

Several times a week, Fredrick rides his bike across Highway 50, but that’s as close as he’ll get.

“It’s crazy. It’s dangerous. The cars don’t give you any room,” he said. “It makes me scared because these are country roads. Cars come by, they just fly. They don’t care.”

Investigators were grateful Mendoza stayed on the scene.

“The driver who stayed is obviously a responsible person. He struck something and he stayed on the scene to see if he could render aid and also stay for the police when they got there,” said Trooper Wanda Diaz.

Troopers said charges against Strickler are pending.