Authorities have identified the 69-year-old Whitefish man who died after he was thrown from his bicycle on Big Mountain Road, north of Whitefish.
The Montana Highway Patrol says Daniel Schoedinger died at the hospital in Whitefish after an accident just before 1 p.m. Sunday. Schoedinger was southbound on Big Mountain Road when a northbound car made a left-hand turn in front of the bike. According to witness statements, Schoedinger was riding down the Big Mountain Road near the one-mile marker when he had to brake unexpectedly due to a vehicle turning into a driveway ahead of him. Schoedinger was thrown from his bicycle onto the pavement where he struck his head.
Schoedinger was transported to North Valley Hospital by Whitefish ambulance but was deceased upon arrival at the hospital. The cause of death will be listed as a skull fracture. Schoedinger was wearing a helmet and was an experienced, avid bike rider.
He applied his brakes, went over the handlebars and landed on his head. He was wearing a helmet, according to MHP. An investigation is ongoing.
Schoedinger was a resident of Columbus, Ohio who had a part-time residence on Big Mountain, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.