One cyclist killed, another wounded in Taunton crash

One cyclist was killed and another injured after a driver struck the pair as they were riding bicycles in Taunton Thursday afternoon, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. 

Donald MacManus, 76, of Seekonk, was killed in the North Walker Street crash, Bristol District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn’s office said in a press release. MacManus and a 72-year-old Attleboro man were riding their bikes there around 2:25 p.m. when a 62-year-old Mansfield man driving a Mercedes-Benz struck them both, officials said.

MacManus was pronounced dead at Morton Hospital in Taunton, according to the press release. The Attleboro man was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of “significant trauma to his lower extremities,” the DA’s office said.

The Mercedes-Benz driver remained at the scene and did not appear intoxicated, according to officials. He was cited for motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation and will be summonsed to court at a later date. A clerk-magistrate hearing will determine whether probable cause exists to warrant a criminal charge. 

The DA’s office did not name the driver, as he has not yet been criminally charged. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

In a statement shared by her office, Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell suggested the driver may have suffered a medical episode.

“The tragic incident which occurred yesterday is devastating to all of the families involved,” O’Connell said. “At this time, it is believed this was an accident related to a possible medical condition of the driver.”

She added: “We are grateful to our first responders who worked quickly and compassionately yesterday. We ask that you keep the victims’ families in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”