Bicyclist dies following July 4th accident

A 69-year-old Bremerton man died Sunday, a day after being struck by a motor vehicle.

James McClurkan died around 6 a.m. July 5 at Tacoma General Hospital. He was struck by an SUV around 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at the intersection of NW Holly Road and Wildcat Lake Road NW in Central Kitsap.

McClurkan was riding a bicycle eastbound on NW Holly Road July 4 when a 2003 Nissan Murano, driven by a 47-year-old Central Kitsap woman, struck him. The SUV was heading westbound on Holly Road and turned left onto Wildcat Lake Road as McClurkan was crossing the intersection. The vehicle struck him with its left front bumper, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office.

McClurkan was knocked up and onto the SUV's hood and windshield, damaging both, before he rolled off the vehicle, breaking the driver's side mirror. He landed in a drainage ditch at a corner of the intersection.

He was transported to Tacoma General Hospital in critical condition. McClurkan was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Deputy Scott Wilson, KCSO spokesman, said there is no indication either person was under the influence of alcohol or narcotics and excessive speed was not a factor in the collision.

"At this point in time, it's an accident," he said. "She didn't see him."

KCSO is continuing the fatality investigation and does not anticipate any criminal charges to be filed against the woman.

"We're not looking to make an arrest right now or ever," Wilson said.

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