For a statement to the press, I would ask Martin Cox of SuperCool Bikes in Gainesville, or Trent Maddox of Amelia Rentals, Fernandina, Florida (904-261-9129), or Robert Bounds of Bounds Heating and Air, Newberry. All were good friends of Shawn and his family over the years; all exceptional riders themselves and all well-respected in the mountain biking community, among whom Shawn spent much of his life. If they don’t feel comfortable or do not have other better suggestions, I am willing to talk to the press.
Over the years, Shawn has ridden with my family to races across Florida; he’s taken my kids to races; we’ve all ridden trails together at various times over the years. But the others listed above were much closer to Shawn, and would be the place to start. Everyone is shaken by this. Shawn was a guy you always liked to see and chat with whenever you found him; at the bike shop, on the trail, around town . . . he was upbeat, dedicated and encouraging to everyone.
I’ve ridden that stretch of road countless times. The only way for a driver to not see something on that road is for him to not be looking at the road. If someone ran into the rear of a car on that open road without even touching his brakes, no one would call it an accident. They’d wonder whether the driver was high or too drunk to drive or whether it was an act of aggression, or nowadays, texting. Only when a bike is involved is “accident” even considered.
Best regards,
Chris
Christopher J. Borgert, Ph.D.
President & Principal Scientist
Applied Pharmacology and Toxicology, Inc.
2250 NW 24th Avenue
Gainesville, Florida 32605
http://www.apt-pharmatox.com
Office: (352) 335-8334
Mobile: (352) 219-8551
FAX: (352) 335-8242
email: <xxxxxx@APT-PHARMATOX.com>
Chris
Christopher J. Borgert, Ph.D.
President & Principal Scientist
Applied Pharmacology and Toxicology, Inc.
2250 NW 24th Avenue
Gainesville, Florida 32605
http://www.apt-pharmatox.com
Office: (352) 335-8334
Mobile: (352) 219-8551
FAX: (352) 335-8242
email: <xxxxxx@APT-PHARMATOX.com>
On May 10, 2018, at 2:05 PM, Francois Modave <xxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:I posted a picture of the road on my Facebook. It was a very clear day etc. There is perfect visibility. Also, 400ft would still give you ample time to brake even at 100mph ... So either way it's a total BS argument.On Thu, May 10, 2018, 2:02 PM Albert Reed <xxxxxx@me.com> wrote:I can not agree with you more Huan. It was bright and sunny on that day.And I'm very assuming to believe this was no accident! This was absolutely avoidable.The visibility on that road is far greater than 400 feet. Ridiculous, at best!!!I went to school with Shawn’s wife and only met him twice.My impression of Shawn was he is extremely responsible and I understood him to be a skilled cyclist.I’m stating the obvious when I say, Kevin Kirby was a very negligent driver and I’m beyond angry,I'm embroiled. This was COMPLETELY AVOIDABLE!!!Albert O. ReedOn May 10, 2018, at 1:31 PM, Francois Modave <xxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:Whoever reaches out needs to make it clear that this is not an accident. Accidents are inherently unavailable. These things aren't accidents. Not paying attention when you're driving and killing someone is as much an accident as shooting a gun with closed eyes and killing someone.Law enforcement, justice, and the press need to understand that these things just aren't accidents.Off my soap box now.On Thu, May 10, 2018, 1:22 PM Huan Dinh <xxxxxx@hotmail.com> wrote:Though I have ridden with Shawn many times over the years. I think someone else would be more appropriate to speak with the Gainesville Sun on his behalf. If someone knows his wife and family, maybe you can talk to them first before speaking with a reporter. I wanted to be more respectful of his privacy and considered to his wife, son, and family.
Thanks,
Huan
From: Faiello,Marianna A <xxxxxx@ufl.edu>
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 4:39 PM
To: xxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: Shawn SmithHi Huan,
My name is Mari Faiello and I am a news reporter for the Gainesville Sun.
I wanted to reach out to you this afternoon about Shawn Smith. I spoke with Roger Pierce this afternoon and he said you two were friends. I know this is probably a tough time for you with his loss being so recent, but I was hoping that we could talk about your relationship with him and what he was like as a person and his impact on the cycling community here in Gainesville.
Again, I’m very sorry for your loss, but I hope we can talk soon. Thank you for your time and feel free to reach me by my cell number listed below.
Respectfully,Mari FaielloGainesville Sun News Intern/Reporter813.763.7654 (cell)
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