OLATHE, Kan. — An Olathe man left for work on his bicycle Thursday morning not knowing it would be his final ride. The 28-year-old bicyclist was killed in a crash.
The crash happened near S. Lone Elm Road and W. 159th Street on Thursday morning. Officers were called to the area regarding a fatality crash involving an SUV and a bicyclist.
When they arrived, they found a 28-year-old man who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle was a 64-year-old woman. She remained on the scene and is cooperating.
The victim has been identified as 28-year-old Eduardo Loredo-Martinez.
“I miss him,” Robert Markham said. “He was a great kid.”
Robert and Lori Markham were helping Loredo in a sober living program. They said he was on his way to work when the crash happened.
“Taken way too soon,” Markham said, “and I love all these guys like my own son.”
Flowers sit where Loredo was killed. Olathe police said Loredo was on the sidewalk then entered the crosswalk, and that’s when the driver of an SUV hit him.
Sgt. John Moncayo said investigators believe the driver was trying to make a right onto Lone Elm.
“We were told from people on scene that the driver had a green light,” Moncayo said.
“Again, there was a pedestrian signal in that area, so our investigators are still working through if it was functioning, or whether or not it was activated before the crash, that way we can determine right of way.”
Markham said Loredo was taking steps to improve his life.
“It was a tough day yesterday, and we came in to find his Bible was open,” Markham said.
Loredo had a room at Elevated Ministries. It’s a sober living house for men 18 and older.
The Markhams are the founders and teach residents how to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Markham said Loredo joined the program in August. He battled addiction and was transforming before their eyes, they said.
“I was so proud and honored to have had him in my life, even though it wasn’t for a long time,” Markham said. “It was great to have him.”
Markham said Loredo got a job about a month ago. He walked to work every day, and eventually bought a bicycle.
“It was just amazing to see him make the commitment,” Markham said, “and do what he needed to do as a man to take care of his responsibilities. Super, super proud of him.”
The Markhams have started a GoFundMe page to help the Loredo family with funeral expenses.
Police said they’re working to review surveillance video to get a clear picture of what happened.
This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Olathe Police Department at 913-971-6363 TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
