ESTHERVILLE, IOWA – A North Iowa teen died this weekend after riding a bike and being struck by an automobile.
According to Emmet County Sheriff Mike Martens, the communications center received a 911 call shortly before 6:00 PM Friday night, November 6, from a caller who reported being flagged down by the driver of a vehicle who reported that they had struck a bicyclist in the 3900 block of 5th Avenue in Estherville.
Upon investigation at the scene, it was determined that a westbound 2005 Mini Cooper being driven by 66-year-old Gary Clymer of Estherville struck a westbound bicycle being ridden by 16-year-old Desean Hoffman, also of Estherville. Hoffman was transported to Avera Holy Family Hospital by the Estherville Ambulance Service for treatment of his injuries and later transferred to Sioux Falls, South Dakota by helicopter. Desean passed away Saturday, the sheriff says.
The accident remains under investigation at this time. The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Estherville Police Department.