A retired physician, Tom Geppert, is counting his blessings after surviving a horrific hit-and-run incident near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The 69-year-old credits his bike for saving his life after being struck by a suspected drunk driver.
The Incident
Benjamin Hylander, a 31-year-old cargo team member at American Airlines, allegedly ran over Geppert and fellow cyclist Deborah Eads, 65, on Monday evening. The pair were part of a group of cyclists riding around the airport at around 6 p.m. when Hylander, driving a white Subaru Forester, approached at high speed.
Hylander first struck Eads, then clipped Geppert’s back tire, sending him flying into the left lane and crashing onto the road. Geppert lost consciousness for several minutes following the impact.
Survivor’s Account
“All of a sudden, something pushes me from behind,” Geppert recounted to KDFW. “Then I could feel myself falling from the right, and then that’s pretty much the last thing I remember.”
Geppert was diagnosed with a concussion and suffered injuries including a hamstring injury and a fractured rib. Despite these injuries, he considers himself extremely fortunate. “Just overall amazingly lucky that I’m still alive,” Geppert said, expressing his intent to continue cycling.
Aftermath and Arrest
Hylander’s vehicle was captured on camera allegedly running over Geppert’s legs. Quick-thinking fellow cyclists chased Hylander to a nearby Shell gas station, urging him to return to the scene. Hylander reportedly shouted “I’m sorry” to one of the injured cyclists before being detained by an officer.
Investigators discovered six empty cans of Voodoo Ranger Juice Force IPA in Hylander’s backpack and two cans of Coors Light in the grass near his parked SUV, indicating significant alcohol consumption.
Medical Response
Geppert was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine, where he was treated for a severe laceration. He has since been released from the hospital. Eads received treatment at the scene for her injuries.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage and concern within the local cycling community. The reckless behavior of Hylander, particularly his decision to drink and drive, has drawn widespread condemnation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers cyclists face on the roads, especially from impaired drivers.
Stephen’s Insight
Despite the traumatic experience, Geppert’s resilience and gratitude shine through. His survival story underscores the critical importance of road safety and the dire consequences of drunk driving. The community continues to rally around Geppert and Eads, hoping for stricter measures to protect cyclists and prevent such tragedies in the future.
