ME calls bicyclist’s death an accident. Pierce County detectives continue to investigate
The cause and manner of death of a man who died from a hit-and-run in late September has been confirmed, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Jose Cruz, 51, died from blunt torso trauma on Sept. 25 near the 10000 block of Waller Road East in the Midland/Summit area. His manner of death is listed as an accident, the Medical Examiner’s Office said in a news release. Following the incident, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department detectives said they believe Cruz might have been intentionally struck by a car, according to a news release.
Cruz was biking on Waller Road East when he was struck. Deputies were dispatched at about 7:50 a.m. and found Cruz on the side of the road.
The Sheriff’s Department is continuing a criminal investigation because it considers the incident a vehicular homicide. There are no suspects in custody, and detectives are searching for the driver of the vehicle, according to Pierce County Sheriff’s Department deputy Carly Cappetto.
Detectives located video surveillance of the vehicle that might have hit Cruz, a 2000-2006 gold/beige Chevy Tahoe with possible front-end damage, according to a previous News Tribune story.
Anyone who has information on the driver or the car is ask to call 911.
This story was originally published December 28, 2023 at 5:15 AM.
