Man Arrested After Fatal Hit-and-Run Involving Bicyclist in Collier County

A fatal hit-and-run crash in Collier County has led to the arrest of a 22-year-old man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident involved a vehicle striking a bicyclist in Immokalee, with the driver allegedly fleeing the scene after the collision.

According to FHP, the crash occurred on State Road 29 near Hancock Street. Troopers say Silvestre Jeconias Mejia Velasquez, 22, was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe westbound on SR-29 when the collision occurred.

At the same time, a bicyclist was traveling south and attempting to cross the westbound lanes of State Road 29. FHP reports that the front of the Tahoe struck the bicyclist, causing critical injuries.

The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries on January 10, 2026.

After the collision, FHP says the Chevrolet Tahoe became disabled. Despite this, Velasquez allegedly ran from the scene, leaving the injured bicyclist behind.

Troopers later located Velasquez and placed him under arrest. He has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and was booked into the Collier County Jail.

The identity of the bicyclist has not yet been released. The crash remains under active investigation.

Under Florida law, drivers involved in a crash resulting in serious injury or death are legally required to:

• Stop immediately at the scene
• Provide reasonable assistance to injured persons
• Call for emergency medical help
• Remain at the scene and cooperate with law enforcement

Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is a serious felony offense, often referred to as hit-and-run manslaughter, and carries severe criminal penalties.

Beyond criminal consequences, fleeing the scene can significantly increase civil liability for the driver involved.

Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for bicyclists. When a vehicle strikes a cyclist, the injuries are often catastrophic or fatal due to the lack of physical protection.

Common contributing factors in vehicle–bicycle crashes include:

• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Poor visibility or lighting
• Distracted driving
• Inadequate roadway design

When a driver leaves the scene, families are left not only with devastating loss, but also unanswered questions and financial uncertainty.

Legal Rights After a Fatal Hit-and-Run Bicycle Crash

When a bicyclist is killed due to a driver’s negligence, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

Potential compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship, protection, and guidance
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Even if the driver fled, compensation may still be available through:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
• Other liable parties, depending on the facts

These cases are highly time-sensitive, as evidence such as vehicle data, surveillance footage, and witness statements can be lost quickly.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Hit-and-Run Victims’ Families

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families devastated by fatal hit-and-run crashes throughout Florida, including Collier County.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, ensuring families work directly with experienced attorneys—not case managers. Our firm immediately acts to:

• Launch an independent investigation
• Preserve crash-scene and vehicle evidence
• Coordinate with law enforcement and investigators
• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Handle all legal and insurance communications

Families pay nothing upfront. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If your loved one was killed in a bicycle hit-and-run or another fatal traffic crash, you do not have to navigate this process alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We proudly represent families across Collier County and throughout Florida.