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FHP: Bicyclist struck, killed by Tavares Fire Dept. vehicle

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Troopers said they're investigating a crash where a bicyclist was hit and killed by a Tavares Fire Department vehicle Saturday morning.

According to troopers, the crash happened around 7 a.m. on State Road 19 near Dead River Road in Tavares.

The bicyclist, identified as 66-year-old Earl Dudley, was trying to cross State Road 19 when he was struck by a Tavares Fire Department pickup truck. Dudley was flown to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, troopers said.

"He loved riding his bike and going and visiting family and just being around people, and people loved him too," Dudley's relative Kim Watkins said.

Investigators said the victim failed to yield the right of way of the pickup truck, which was driven by Alan Gagne. Gagne is listed as a battalion chief with the Tavares Fire Department.

The victim's niece, LaRhonda McCrary, told WFTV she still has unanswered questions about the crash.

"Well my uncle has been riding a bike for over 50 years and he knows when not to cross the crosswalk," McCrary said.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash remains under investigation but Gagne is not facing charges.