Maryland Cyclist Raising Money For Cancer Research Dies In Accident

A cyclist from Maryland on a cross country ride to raise money for cancer research has died in an accident in Kentucky.

Authorities in Scott County Kentucky, near Lexington say 24-year-old Jamie Roberts was struck by a truck while she was changing a tire on her bicycle.

She was participating in the 4K for Cancer ride across the country, raising money for the Howard County based Ulman Cancer Fund, which provides help to young adults fighting cancer.

WLEX-TV reports that another cyclist in Roberts group was also struck and was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The station reports the accident is under investigation.

Roberts was part of a group of cyclists who had each raised at least $10,000 for the fund to make the trip, from Baltimore to Portland, Oregon.

Roberts had been working as an assistant women's basketball coach and assistant sports information director at Catholic University of America.

CLICK HERE to read a statement from the University.

She was a native of Rockville, and a 2011 graduate of St. Mary's College, where she played lacrosse, soccer and basketball.

On her fundraising page, Roberts said she was riding in honor of the parents of one of her teammates from St. Mary's who had been battling cancer, and are now cancer free. Roberts also said she lost her grandfather to lung cancer.

She is survived by her parents, brother and sister.

On Saturday, Brock Yetso, CEO of the Ulman Cancer Fund issued the following statement:

“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