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Aurora Firefighter Dies After Getting Struck By Car While Riding Bike

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - An Aurora firefighter has died after getting hit by a car while riding his bicycle Friday morning.

Lt. Charles DeShazer with Aurora police said officers and the fire department responded to a report of a vehicle colliding with a bicyclist shortly after 7:30 a.m. in the 18200 block of East Quincy Avenue.

"Arriving units found the bicycle rider down as a result of the collision with severe injuries. It was discovered on scene that the bicyclist was an Aurora firefighter, Jason Murphy, who had been traveling to work," DeShazer said in a statement.

Murphy was transported to a local hospital where he later died.

Through the investigation it was found that a 2002 Dodge Ram pickup driven by William Nale, 49, of Aurora, had struck Murphy. Nale stayed at the scene.

"Through witness statements the officers learned the bicyclist was utilizing the marked crosswalk and signal light at the intersection which provides access to Summit Elementary School located at 18201 East Quincy Avenue," DeShazer said.

DeShazer said Nale was battling the morning sun and was not able to see the traffic signal or Murphy in the crosswalk.

Witnesses said Nale was traveling around 30 miles per hour. The posted speed limit for the area is 40 mph.

Investigators determined Nale failed to observe the red signal or see Murphy. He was cited for careless driving resulting in death and failure to provide proof of insurance upon request.

Statement from the Aurora Police Department

This morning at 7:32am, Aurora Firefighter Jason Murphy was involved in an auto pedestrian accident. Firefighter Murphy was riding his bicycle en-route to work when he was struck by a vehicle. Aurora Fire crews responded, treated Jason and transported him to a local hospital with serious injuries. While being treated in the Emergency Department, Firefighter Murphy passed away.  The circumstances surrounding the accident are under investigation by the Aurora Police Department. This is a devastating loss to Jason's family and the Aurora Fire Department.  Firefighter Murphy has been a member of the Aurora Fire Department since February, 2003 and held the rank of Engineer. Our thoughts, our hearts, and our prayers go out to Jason's family. The Aurora Fire Department is grieving the loss of a colleague and a great friend.

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