Three cyclists run down by car on W. Hwy

If you drive the Western Highway on any given morning you can’t help but notice them: Dozens of cyclists training hard for upcoming races or just to stay in shape. Today, however, there are 3 budding riders who won’t be pedaling anytime soon.

Levi Gentle Heusner, Stephen Heusner and Jose “Cheto” Encalada were out doing what they love best…cycling when a vehicle came from behind and crashed into the 3 young men.

Jacqueline Woods

The friends left Belize City around 4:45, Saturday morning. As they reached between miles 12 and 13 on the Western highway, a car driven by Stuart Tucker hit them.

Levi Gentle Heusner

“I don’t even remember we went riding, all I remember was “Cheto” said watch his face, his teeth come out. He asked the guy what happened, all the guy said was he fell asleep. From that I don’t really remember anything else.”

Levi, who was flung into some nearby bushes, is recovering from facial and body injuries. Stephen Heusner, who regained consciousness several hours after the accident, has been discharged from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Heusner was hit behind the head and also received scrapes to the back, hip and right foot.

Stephen Heusner

“What I know is that three of us went riding and we were hit from behind. I was conscious, but because of my concussion I don’t really remember. About Saturday about 11’o clock, 12 ‘o clock I recall being in the hospital from the accident.”

“You know we are out there just riding doing something that is fun and clean and a reckless driver just hits us from behind. It’s unbelievable. You know you try to do something constructive and this is what we get.”

Encalada, who was unable to speak with us, received severe injuries to his face and body. He remains in the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Cycling officials and riders are pleading with drivers to please be careful on the road, to slow down and give riders a wide berth when passing. These young men and women deserve our respect; not our bumpers.