Manhattan Cyclist, 71, Dies After Colliding With Unleashed Dog in Central Park
A well-liked Upper West Side resident was fatally injured when his bicycle struck a Golden Retriever that ran in front of him.
A 71-year-old man died Monday morning after his bicycle collided with an unleashed dog in Central Park, according to police.
Douglas Adams was riding north on East Drive near East 84th Street around 8:20 a.m. when a Golden Retriever ran in front of his bike. Adams was thrown over the handlebars and landed on the pavement, sustaining severe injuries.
Despite wearing a helmet, Adams was rushed to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The dog, which was uninjured, was reportedly not on a leash at the time of the incident.
The dog's owner remained at the scene, and no charges have been filed as the New York Police Department continues its investigation.
Adams was described as an active and well-liked resident of his Upper West Side building. "He was very active on his bike," said Charlie, the building's resident manager. "We're shocked and saddened to see him go. He will be missed."
Dogs are permitted to be off-leash in certain areas of Central Park before 9 a.m. It is unclear whether the location of the incident falls within these designated zones.
Charlie, who also runs in Central Park, commented on the potential dangers. "I run in Central Park myself. Last time I did a half marathon, [ran into] a dog, similar situation, but I wasn’t on a bike. It’s scary right now."
