WESTON, FLA. (WSVN) - - The heartbroken family of the Weston bicyclist who, police said, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on New Year’s Day made a passionate plea for the motorist responsible to come forward.
Sunday was supposed to be a day of celebration for 50-year-old Christopher Mohr and his family. Fresh off a trip to Costa Rica, they were going to celebrate New Year’s Day and his daughter’s 21st birthday.
Speaking from the family’s home, the victim’s widow, Robin Mohr, said her husband, an avid biker, was riding a route he had taken often. “He was in the bike lane, riding where he’s ridden hundreds of times before,” she said.
But Christopher would not come home.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, he was hit from behind while cycling in the bike lane on State Road 84, one mile east of the Indian Trace intersection, at around 7:40 a.m.
Investigators said the motorist then sped away.
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue transported the victim to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
“I guess accidents can happen, but when another human being is lying in the road and you keep going? That’s something I can’t really process,” said Robin.
Robin said her husband had been training for an upcoming race. “He hadn’t been on his bike for a while, so he left this morning to get in a quick ride. He was supposed to ride a 100-mile race next week,” said Robin.
Robin added that Christopher had taken the proper safety precautions beforehand, such as wearing a bike helmet.
When the father of two didn’t come home, Robin became worried. “It wasn’t like him to be irresponsible and not come home, so I had a horrible feeling, but you have that sense of denial a little bit,” she said.
She then got in her car and began to look for him.
Authorities later confirmed her worst fears. “My kids were here when the police came, so they heard it from them,” she said.
A friend of the victim said they used to go bike riding with the Levee Riders Club. “He was a guy that I ride with, next to me. He’s a good friend, good husband,” said David Cova.
Detectives are searching for the driver of a white, older-model vehicle with damage to the front passenger side headlight and windshield.
A car at least partially fitting that description was discovered at a nearby shopping center on Monday, but investigators said it’s too early to tell whether it’s the vehicle involved in the accident.
Cova said there was no reason for the driver to flee. “It’s a mistake. It’s an accident. Provide some assistance,” he said.
The Mohrs said they are hopeful anyone with information will come forward, and the driver will do the right thing. “How they can live with themselves, I can’t process the kind of person that could do that,” said Robin. “It’s not going to bring my husband back, but this is somebody that shouldn’t be able to go about their lives, living their lives as if they haven’t destroyed somebody else’s.”
Those who rode with Christopher have planned a memorial bike ride in his honor, late Tuesday evening, sometime around 6:45 or 7 p.m.
If you have any information on this hit-and-run, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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