Sarah Fowler, The Clarion-Ledger

A cyclist was killed Sunday night after he was struck by a car.

Jay Burrell, 54, of Starkville, was killed Sunday after he was struck by a car on Highway 25 near Pinelake Church, according to the Starkville Police Department.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. Burrell died on scene.

He is the second Starkville cyclist to be killed in a year. Last May, another bicyclist was killed after being struck by a car.

Burrell served as Director of Information Technology Infrastructure at Mississippi State University, according to MSU spokesperson Sid Salter. A graduate of MSU, Burrell was employed by the college for nearly 30 years.

Salter said the MSU community was reeling from Burrell's sudden death, calling it "very shocking."

"Jay was very popular on campus and a real force of nature behind the scenes at IT," Salter said. "He was really a problem solver and just about everybody on campus has a Jay Burell story."

Salter said Burell was an avid cyclist.

SPD spokesperson Officer Brandon Lovelady said the incident was not a hit and run. Additional details are not being released, pending an ongoing investigation.

However, in a press release, SPD cautioned against distracted driving.

"The Starkville Police Department wants to remind everyone, anything that takes your mind,your eyes, or your hands off of your primary task-driving-is a distraction. We talk about cell phones a lot, and rightfully so. But there are other things that people do behind the wheel that are also distractions: eating or drinking, talking to other passengers, applying makeup, combing hair, using a navigation system, reading-including newspapers, books, or even maps, adjusting the radio or MP3 player.

"One of the many things covered in the John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act is:While passing a bicyclist on a roadway, a motorist shall leave a safe distance of not less than three feet between his vehicle and the bicyclist and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the bicycle."

Salter said MSU is "sending our love" to Burrell's family and friends.

"As good as an IT professional as he was, Jay was an even better person. He will be sorely missed on our campus."

Contact Sarah Fowler at sfowler@gannett.com or 601-961-7303. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.