TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) — A devastating incident unfolded in Tarpon Springs on Monday afternoon, resulting in the untimely death of an 18-year-old bicyclist.

Collision Occurs at Martin Luther King Drive and North Avenue

The Tarpon Springs Police Department received an urgent call around 2:15 p.m., summoning them to the scene of a collision at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and North Avenue.

Bicyclist and Sedan Collide

Upon arrival, officers discovered that the collision involved a young bicyclist and a Mercury four-door sedan. The force of the impact inflicted severe injuries on the 18-year-old cyclist, later identified as Oni Mercado.

A Tragic Loss and Safety Precautions

Regrettably, Mercado’s life could not be saved despite the prompt response of emergency medical services. An investigation into the incident revealed that the young cyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, highlighting the importance of observing safety precautions while cycling.

No Injuries Sustained by Sedan Driver

Fortunately, the driver of the Mercury sedan emerged from the collision unharmed. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and underscores the need for motorists to exercise caution and vigilance.

Appealing for Witnesses to Assist the Investigation

In an effort to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the tragic collision, the Tarpon Springs Police Department is urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. Officer Scott Faugno can be reached at 727-938-2849 for anyone willing to provide a statement or any additional details that may aid in the investigation.