Retired Physician Credits Bike for Saving His Life After Hit-and-Run Incident

Retired Physician Credits Bike for Saving His Life in Hit-and-Run Incident Near Texas Airport

A retired physician, Tom Geppert, found himself in a harrowing situation when he and another cyclist, Deborah Eads, were mowed down in a brazen hit-and-run near a Texas airport. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, left Geppert with serious injuries, but he considers himself lucky to be alive.

The suspect, Benjamin Hylander, a cargo team member at American Airlines, allegedly struck Geppert and Eads while they were riding around Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The impact was so severe that Geppert lost consciousness for a few minutes and suffered a concussion, a hamstring injury, and a fractured rib.

Despite the traumatic experience, Geppert remains grateful for his bike, which he believes saved his life. The bike’s structure cushioned the impact and prevented more severe injuries.

Witnesses reported that Hylander, who was driving a white Subaru Forester, fled the scene after hitting the cyclists. However, he was later apprehended and found to be under the influence of alcohol. Police discovered empty beer cans in his vehicle and near the crash scene.

Hylander was charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of Intoxication Assault with a Vehicle causing Serious bodily injury. He is currently held at the Tarrant County Corrections Center on a $36,000 bond.

Geppert, who has been released from the hospital, expressed his gratitude for surviving the incident and plans to continue riding. American Airlines stated that Hylander is suspended from service pending further investigation. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the importance of road safety for cyclists and motorists alike.