PALM HARBOR — A bicyclist suffered critical injuries Friday night after being struck by a Sunstar ambulance responding to an emergency call at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Citrus Drive, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 9:29 p.m. on June 20. Troopers said a 2024 Ford E-450 Sunstar ambulance operated by Paramedics Logistics Florida LLC was traveling northbound on U.S. 19 with its emergency lights and sirens activated while responding to a medical call.
According to the FHP investigation, the ambulance was traveling in the inside northbound lane approaching the intersection when a bicyclist, identified as 41-year-old Matthew Joel Brenner of Clearwater, attempted to cross U.S. 19 in the westbound crosswalk at Citrus Drive. Troopers reported that Brenner failed to yield at a traffic signal and entered the intersection, resulting in the ambulance’s front right striking the bicycle rider.
The impact threw Brenner onto the roadway. A second vehicle, a northbound 2023 Kia Sportage, then struck the bicycle after it was redirected into its path, according to the crash report.
Brenner sustained incapacitating injuries and was transported by another Sunstar unit to the trauma center at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital. Troopers noted in their report that he was intubated at the hospital and unable to provide a statement.
Neither the 19-year-old ambulance driver from Tampa, his passenger, nor the driver of the Kia was injured in the crash.
Investigators observed tire marks and debris in the roadway and noted the presence of a spilled alcoholic beverage near the bicyclist’s final resting location. However, the report indicates no alcohol testing was conducted on the bicyclist.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.