Bicyclist killed in Immokalee hit-and-run

IMMOKALEE - A fatal hit-and-run in Immokalee is under investigation. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a man was left in the road after being struck by a vehicle Friday night.

The crash occurred along State Road 29 in Immokalee just before 11 p.m.

Israel Ramirez, an Immokalee resident, said, "It may seem like it has light, but in reality, the street lights aren't bright enough for our bicyclists."

Jadelynn Cardenas, another resident, expressed her concerns, saying, "It is a little darker, especially for me, or, you know, for older people who can't really see at night."

According to Florida Highway Patrol, a black Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling west on State Road 29 when it collided with an adult male riding a bicycle who was attempting to cross the westbound lanes.

The bicyclist suffered critical injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

"We always have to be careful with pedestrians," said Cardenas.

Troopers said the driver left the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. The driver, identified as 23-year-old Silvestre Jeconias Mejia Velasquez, was later located, arrested, and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving a death.

Cardenas, who was born and raised in Immokalee, shared that this is not the first time she has heard of a pedestrian being involved in a fatal crash. "Somebody also lost their life over a new market road right in front of the Family Dollar. It looked like they literally just walked in front of the vehicle, and unfortunately, they also lost their life," she said.

The community is keeping everyone involved in their thoughts as the investigation continues.

Velasquez was booked into the Collier County Jail.