A cyclist died after being hit by a vehicle Saturday driven by a P.E.I. man now charged with impaired driving causing death.

The victim is Elizabeth Ann Sovis, 63, from Edmonton, Alta., RCMP confirm.

She was travelling with her partner along Rennies Road, north of Hunter River, shortly after 6 p.m. AT when she was struck from behind by a van.

Witnesses say the accused, 49-year-old Clarence Arnold Moase, of Kensington, P.E.I., left the scene, but later returned.

Moase blew well over the legal limit of alcohol, according to Sgt. Andrew Blackadar.

"That section of highway doesn't have a paved shoulder, so there's no other option for her but to be on the highway. However, she was wearing a reflective vest," Blackadar said.

"The conditions were clear at the time, it was overcast, but there was no rain. The roads were dry. There was absolutely no reason other than alcohol, for this collision and death to occur."

Sovis' partner wasn't hurt.

Moase has been remanded into custody, and a court date is set for July 23.