Tragedy struck the Ulman Cancer Fund’s 4K for Cancer ride over the weekend when a 24-year-old cyclist was killed while stopping to change a flat tire alongside a rural Kentucky road.
Jamie Roberts, 24, a St. Mary’s College graduate and assistance women’s basketball coach at The Catholic University of America, had raised more than $10,000 for the Howard County and Baltimore-based charity and was riding in honor of her parents—both cancer survivors, according to her 4K for Cancer bio page.
A Facebook page, “Miles for Jamie,” has been set up with the aim of remembering Roberts and completing her journey by posting the distance of rides done in her honor—in order to complete the 3,685 miles she had remaining. More information and posts from her friends can be found on Twitter as well at #ridesforjamie.
Another cyclist also struck was taken to a local Kentucky hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
According to a statement from the Ulman Cancer Fund, after a 48-hour break, the 4,000-mile ride from Baltimore to Portland will continue, per Roberts’ family’s request to carry on her goal and mission.
From Brock Yetso, Ulman Fund Cancer for Young Adults CEO:
“It is with the deepest sadness that the Ulman Cancer Fund faces the loss of Jamie Roberts. This passionate young woman, so precious to her family and loved ones, lost her life in a tragic accident today as she rode across America to raise funds and awareness for young adults fighting cancer. Jamie’s selflessness, her commitment to serving others and her deep devotion to her friends, family and fellow riders was apparent to everyone who knew her. All of us at the Ulman Cancer Fund extend our deepest condolences to Jamie’s family, whose grief must be boundless at this time. We, and all of our 4K for Cancer riders, will carry Jamie’s memory with us in our hearts as we continue serving the mission that Jamie cared so deeply about.”
Jamie died this afternoon from injuries sustained when she was struck by a vehicle while changing a bicycle tire in Scott County outside of Lexington, KY. Another rider sustained non-life threatening injuries in the incident. While the Roberts family has expressed their hope that 4K for Cancer riders will be able to continue their journeys, the Ulman Cancer Fund plans to provide immediate assistance to any rider who desires to return home. All of the riders are suspending their ride for the next 48 hours to honor the loss of their teammate, and a member of the Ulman Cancer Fund’s staff is joining each of the teams to provide support.
The Roberts family wishes for any donations to be made to The Ulman Cancer Fund in honor of Jamie Roberts and the 4K for Cancer Portland Team. Donations can be made at http://4kforcancer.org/profiles/jamie-roberts