UPDATE: Bicycle rider dies after falling in 1200 block Alki Avenue

6:04 PM: SFD medics and SPD officers are in the 1200 block of Alki Avenue SW, where witnesses told them a bicycle rider fell “out of the blue” while riding on the trail. The rider, described as a male adult, is reported to have hit his head and suffered potential life-threatening injuries, for which he’s being treated right now. Avoid the area.

6:24 PM: Medical discussion over emergency radio indicates the rider, described as in his mid-40s, is still in bad shape and the reason he suddenly fell is a mystery. Medics are still working to revive him.

7:51 PM: As noted in comments, radio exchanges indicate the rider did not survive. We don’t have any other information about circumstances and it would be up to the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine whether a medical incident preceding the fall was to blame, or an injury from it.

8:42 PM: SFD has also officially confirmed to us that the rider died, and updates his age to “approximately 40.”

SeaKev October 7, 2023 (6:29 pm)

Happened to drive past the biker while medics were still responding. He appeared to have a major head wound and was completely unresponsive. My thoughts and prayers go out to him!

Susan October 7, 2023 (6:52 pm)

He passed, my thoughts for his family and friends.

Greta October 7, 2023 (8:03 pm)

Tragic. I was there & was one of many to call 911. Prayers 🙏🏼

KET October 7, 2023 (8:16 pm)

I came upon the scene also. The many first responders worked fast and put in a great deal of effort to try and save him. He was riding a blue bike with yellow taped handle bars. My condolences and prayers to his family and friends.

Luci October 7, 2023 (9:28 pm)

I was a 1st responder today, helped with CPR and held his head in my hands. If anyone knows the family, and they want to talk to me, I am open. I am so terribly sad and will carry him in my heart forever.

Big Dave October 8, 2023 (4:17 am)

Thanks for your kindness and service. We appreciate first responders.
Deborah Wayman October 8, 2023 (5:05 pm)

Hello I am Debbie, thank you to all of the wonderful people who stopped to take care and render medical care/CPR to the fallen biker, he was my younger brother William. We are all grieving and in shock that this happened. William was in excellent health, had worked out before his bike ride, he was free from illness our medical conditions that would explain the incident. Willie was an athlete, performed martial arts and served in the US coast guard. He was a lifelong experienced bike rider who would not just fall over. He was sadly not wearing a helmet, which complicates this picture. When we get the medical examiners report , I will pass along the information. I agree that there must have been a medical event that caused him to fall , a stroke, brain bleed, blood clot etc., we will find out soon after the exam. It brings me and our entire family comfort to know Willie was surrounded by caring people who did everything they could to save him. I appreciate the people from the community who reached out with prayers and condolences. I helps to feel the goodness of others. Most of all we all are thankful for the heroic efforts EMS and community citizens who rendered aid, gave their own clothes to stop his bleeding. And to place his head on something soft… and for those who continued to check on and care about what happened to Willie. We all feel the love you showed to Willie in his last moments here on earth. Many blessings to you all!!
- Valerie October 8, 2023 (7:45 pm)
  
  So sorry for your loss Debbie. Sending lots of love and light to your family in this sad time!
- Debra October 8, 2023 (8:06 pm)
  
  My condolences to your family Debbie. May the memories of your time together bring you comfort during this difficult.
- Peg Staeheli October 8, 2023 (8:20 pm)
  
  I am very sorry for the loss of your brother
- Luci October 9, 2023 (1:22 pm)
  
  Oh Deborah- I am so grateful to hear the story of your brother. My neice and I have thought about him every night since Sunday. Sleepless nights. I was the 2nd person on the scene, helped with CPR and held your brothers head in my arms, trying to clear his airway. My neice put her sweater under his head, to break the pavement. I checked for breath, could not hear/see any, nor could I get a pulse. We were worried about moving him due to possible neck injury, but with no signs of life, we had no choice. The neighbor and I decided to put him in his back and start CPR. A nurse came to help. I want you to know we all took the best care of him we possibly could. I am an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant (and instructor) and have given CPR before, but never to a person as young and fit as your brother. Once the paramedics arrived and took over, we stepped back and they used an AED. It gave the verbal message of “no shock advised” which caught me off guard. I didn’t see the accident- I was about 30 seconds away and not looking in his direction when it occurred. I was told a different story than “random fall” of what happened, by bystanders. I hope you can find the truth and that it gives you and your family some kind of peace in an unthinkable tragic situation. Much love to you and your family. 💛
  - Guy Olson October 9, 2023 (5:59 pm)
    
    First off, thank you for all that you did for him. I’m curious as to why he crashed? Did someone cut him off/walk out in front of him etc? I would like to know the other story than “random fall” that you mentioned. Thank you
- Adam Whittaker October 10, 2023 (12:18 am)
  
  Hi Deborah, I am very sorry for your loss. I’ve know Will for almost 13 years now and I am his neighbor in the building he lived in. Please reach out to me if possible, I’d like to share some of the good times we had together. Adam
  - Deborah Wayman October 10, 2023 (9:45 pm)
    
    Hi Adam, yes, I will be in town Thursday, I’ll find you in his building. Thank you.
    - Ramon94608@gmail.com October 15, 2023 (6:48 pm)
      
      Hey Deborah, I’m Will’s next door neighbor. So sorry for your loss. Just informed my landlord and showed him the article. He’d like to reach out to you.
- Terrill Dunlap October 11, 2023 (11:33 am)
  
  Deborah, my heart goes out to you and your family. I was there with my family. I did not witness him going down and honestly when I saw it I didn’t think anything too serious. When I got closer he was not moving, I got there about the same time as the nurse in the white Jeep. She sprung into action providing first aid. I am a former EMT and firefighter and naturally let the nurse take lead. I assisted getting the barrier device ready for resuscitation. Others were giving chest compressions. Another bystander offered her sweatshirt to place beneath his head. I truly commend the people who came to the aid of a stranger and did their absolute best to help in the time of need. My initial thoughts as an EMT was that when he hit his head he was already unconscious or unable to protect himself through reflexes. I am so sorry for your loss, and he will forever remain in my heart. My daughter found this blog and all my family sends you they’re best.
Ann October 8, 2023 (5:20 pm)

Thank you for your service to our community, I’m so sorry you went through that.

Buncake October 7, 2023 (9:53 pm)

That’s so sad

Suzanne October 7, 2023 (10:21 pm)

This is so incredibly sad. Just gutted reading this. My thoughts are with him and his family.

Lars October 8, 2023 (6:26 am)

This is the first bicycle fatality I have heard of on this bike trail. It is heavily used on weekends when the weather is perfect. The first responders did their best. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Lars

aa October 8, 2023 (9:28 am)

Sounds like it’s more likely a medical issue that caused him to fall rather than anything related to the bike. Or a random mishap on his bike resulting in a head injury. Doesn’t seem necessary to look at it as a ‘bike fatality ‘ or related to the trail.
- TZ October 8, 2023 (3:00 pm)
  
  I am so sorry to hear of this man’s ride turning fatal. I recently witnessed someone fall off their bike after hitting a bump on the trail near the Jack Block entrance. This particular stretch by the boat ramp has uneven pavement as well that’s jarred me a few times on a bike.

Sara October 8, 2023 (8:14 am)

So tragic. Sending love to family and friends.

Speedscu October 8, 2023 (8:47 am)

This guy fell right in front of me. No helmet. Please keep us updated as to cause of death

Dean October 10, 2023 (12:34 am)

He was a lifelong friend of mine. I would like to know what you saw. I’d appreciate anything you can share. Thank you. deanhaas@gmail.com360-440-6333

Paul loeb October 8, 2023 (12:33 pm)

I was running on Alki and got there a few minutes after he fell. The first responders were indeed great But before they got there the man was being worked on by two residents of the building across the street, the first of whom was a lawyer who knew cpr and the second who was an icu nurse who also did cpr but also tried mouth to mouth resuscitation through a safety mask she carries in her purse. Other people gave sweatshirts and jackets to prop up his bleeding head after the nurse asked. So lots of people deserve credit for trying their best to save him.from what the first responders and witnesses said it’s likely that a major medical event caused the fall and his death. But it’s also a reminder to wear a helmet which he wasn’t. Very sad but I was encouraged by all the people who stepped forward to try to do what they could before the ambulance and firefighters arrived

Deborah Wayman October 11, 2023 (10:02 pm)

Hello,To everyone who was involved by my brothers fall and bike accident, I have some answers,The coroners report/ autopsy stated that Willie died from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. This means that he had an underlying blood vessel( artery) in his brain that bled, causing him to lose consciousnes and fall over. Sadly, when my brother hit the ground, he was already gone. To the amazing folks who heroically attempted to resuscitate him. Thank you all!;You gave him a chance to stay here on Earth. But it was his time to go., I am given peace to know you all surrounded Willie with caring and did everytying you could, please know our family and froends recognize and appreciate .. Give hugs, and smile in the warmth of the sun…be kind , and you will carry on his spirit…Thank you all Deborah

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