SUMTER COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Two elderly women were killed Friday, March 13, while they were cycling, Sumter County Coroner Bobby Hancock-Harris and Sheriff Eric Bryant confirmed.

Both officials said a teenager was blinded by the morning sunshine and accidentally hit the women with her car just after 8 a.m. on Tommy Hooks Road, just over a hill.

The sheriff said the women were on their regular Friday morning bike ride.

Immediately after the crash, emergency personnel responded to the scene, where one woman was pronounced dead. An airlift crew was reportedly called for the second woman, but the sheriff said she was never stable enough to be loaded in. She died at Phoebe Sumter, officials said.

While their identities and exact ages were not confirmed, the sheriff said that the women were not related to each other. They were simply “bicycle friends,” he said.

“We extend our sympathies to both families involved,” Sheriff Bryant said.

The sheriff said that the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) is leading the investigation into this accident. He said at this time, it is unclear whether charges will be brought against the teen driver.

The driver is a student at Southland Academy, Sheriff Bryant confirmed. The girl was driving with her younger brother in the car with her, according to the sheriff.

Other South Georgia schools, Deerfield-Windsor and Terrell Academy, posted to Facebook about the matter, expressing support to the Southland community.

“Our hearts are with the Southland Academy community and the families impacted by today’s tragedy. The Deerfield-Windsor family is praying for you.”

“Our hearts are with the Southland Academy family during this difficult time. The Terrell Academy family is praying for you and lifting your community up in love.”

WALB has reached out to GSP and is working to learn more. Stay with us.

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