Vehicle strikes bicyclist on Highway 26 near Scottsbluff

SCOTTSBLUFF - Authorities are investigating fatality accident involving a bicyclist and vehicle at approximately 6:40 a.m. Wednesday morning east of Scottsbluff.

Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas says Merlin Anderson, 76, of Gering, was riding his bike east on Highway 26, between mile markers 26 and 27, when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle, driven by Zachariah Bollig, 32, of Scottsbluff.

Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene. Bollig remained at the site of the accident and was cited for misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide. 

The Scottsbluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police Department, Gering Police Department, Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department and Valley Ambulance also responded to the scene. 

The accident remains under investigation.