MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. -- A Michigan woman was tragically killed on Saturday morning in Muskegon county, while on a charity bike ride.
Susan Cummings, 50, was a mother of three and a grandmother of four.
Witnesses said that she was hit by a pick-up truck while riding East on Fruitvale Road in Montague Township. She was one of dozens of bicyclists raising money for The Hope Water Project.
Now there is word that someone "with knowledge of the driver" that struck her will meet with law enforcement authorities tomorrow.
Susan Cumming's brother, Tom Rea said that it's been a rough couple of days. Rea said his sister was a loving mother, and had recently taken up bike riding. Rea said that his sister was always willing to help others.
"She [Cumming's friend Nancy] told us that the truck swerved around her and hit my sister from behind," said Rea. "It was very traumatic standing in my older sister's home, Sandy, to break the news to her about what had happened to our sister."
Working as nurse, Rea said that his sister would often show up to family events still in her scrubs, making sure she didn't miss anything. Rea said that recently, Cummings was enjoying being outside riding her bicycle.
"She was doing this kind of thing almost every weekend where she was riding, she was being out in the outdoors, she was running marathons. I think this was the second event that she did with The Hope Water Project," said Rea.
Ever since the accident, law enforcement has been working to find those responsible.
"The family wants answers. They want to know who and how and maybe we will never know why, but they are obviously devastated," said Sheriff Dean Roesler with the Muskegon County Sheriff's.
An attorney released an email Monday evening that said "an individual with knowledge of the driver of the vehicle involved" will meeting with the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday. However, the press release doesn't say if it's the actual driver involved.
HERE IS THE FULL PRESS RELEASE:
"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY 8/11/15 AT 12 NOON
FROM THE DAILEY LAW FIRM
AN INDIVIDUAL WITH PARTICULAR KNOWLEDGE AS TO THE TRAGIC ACCIDENT WITH SUSAN CUMMINGS, SATURDAY, ATTORNEY BRIAN DAILEY WILL ACCOMPANY TO MUSKEGON COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE INVOLVED IN AUGUST 8, 2015
Attorneys Brian Dailey and Mark Dundon of the Dailey Law Firm in Royal Oak, Michigan have been retained to represent an individual with knowledge of the driver of a vehicle involved in the recent tragic accident in which Ms. Susan Cummings died. This individual, with the legal assistance of Brian Dailey and Mark Dundon, will meet with the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s office on Tuesday 8/11/15 at noon in
connection with the tragic accident involving Susan Cummings on Fruitvale Road in Montague Township in Muskegon County, Michigan. All involved are truly sorry are for this tragic accident and the death of Susan Cummings. Their prayers and hearts and ours go out to her family, friends and members of her congregation. Based upon the investigation so far it appears that no alcohol was involved. It is a shame that these car-bicycle accidents happen on small county roads with no bicycle lanes and the lack of adequate safety provisions for Susan Cumming’s bicycle riding group."
Being in a family of faith and a pastor himself, Susan's brother Tom Rea said that he's holding no resentment.
"I forgive this person, whoever did it. As troubling as it is and as terrible as it is, I forgive them," said Rea.
Finding peace that his sister passed away doing what she loved most, enjoying the outdoors and also helping others, the family is thinking of the positive, in order to keep her memory alive.
"It's been good and warm-hearted and it's also so devastating and just sad," said Rea.
The bicycle group, "One Day Ride Across Michigan"released this statement to FOX17 about the accident.
"We were inspired by the compassion the riders showed following the fatal car accident this past Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers are for the family, teammates and whole cycling community."
Susan Cummings' funeral will be held on Friday in Troy, MI, and her brother Tom Rea will officiate that service.
Silent Observer is offering the reward. Call them at 231-72-CRIME, text MKGTIP and your message to 274637, or submit a tip at their website if you know anything.
