Two Triathlon Cyclists Hospitalized After Crash with Vehicle During Palm Beach County Event

Two bicyclists competing in a triathlon in West Palm Beach, Florida were hospitalized after colliding with a vehicle along the race route, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash occurred during the BillBone Olympic Triathlon, a multi-sport event that included swimming, cycling, and running segments around Okeeheelee Park.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 8:58 a.m. on April 13, 2026, at the intersection of Forest Hill Boulevard and Pinehurst Drive. Authorities say a 74-year-old man driving a 2025 Hyundai Tucson was traveling northbound and attempting to enter the park when his vehicle crossed into the path of two bicyclists competing in the triathlon.

Investigators say both cyclists were traveling westbound in the outside lane of Forest Hill Boulevard, which had been closed to normal vehicular traffic for the event. According to the crash report, neither the driver nor the cyclists saw each other until the collision was unavoidable, and the bicyclists struck the passenger side of the vehicle.

One cyclist, identified as 45-year-old Ashleigh Whitton of Minnesota, suffered serious injuries. The second cyclist, 46-year-old Miguel Junior Gomez of Oakland Park, sustained minor injuries. Both were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The driver also suffered minor injuries. Authorities noted that no impairment was suspected.

Safety Risks During Organized Cycling Events

Crashes during organized races can be particularly dangerous, even when road closures are in place. Cyclists often travel at higher speeds and in designated lanes, relying on traffic control measures to keep the course safe.

Common risks in these situations include:

• Vehicles entering closed or restricted race routes
• Miscommunication or lack of visibility at intersections
• Drivers unfamiliar with event traffic patterns
• Limited reaction time for cyclists traveling at speed

Even a momentary failure to recognize a closed lane or race route can result in serious injuries.

Legal Considerations in Race-Related Bicycle Accidents

Accidents occurring during organized events can involve multiple layers of liability beyond a typical roadway crash.

Potential liable parties may include:

• The driver, if they failed to yield or entered a restricted roadway
• Event organizers, if traffic control measures were inadequate
• Traffic control personnel or vendors responsible for road closures
• Government entities, if roadway management or signage contributed to confusion

Determining liability often requires reviewing event permits, traffic control plans, and whether proper safety measures were in place.

Compensation for Injured Cyclists

Injured bicyclists may be entitled to compensation depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Damages may include:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Long-term or permanent injuries

Serious injury cases, particularly those involving organized events, often require a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties.

Investigation Ongoing

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash, including how the vehicle entered a lane designated for the triathlon and whether additional safety measures were in place.

Our Thoughts Are With the Injured Cyclists

Our thoughts are with the injured cyclists as they recover from this incident.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims of serious bicycle accidents throughout Florida, including those occurring during organized events. If you were injured in a cycling accident, our firm can help investigate the circumstances and determine whether a claim may be appropriate.

We offer free consultations and handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for you.