A man from Florida who just began to leave the starting point for the 44th RAGBRAI touring event died early this (Sunday) morning, after being hit from behind by a pickup truck, in Mills County. According to the Iowa State Patrol, 72-year old Wayne L. Ezell, of Jacksonville, FL, had just dipped his bike tires in the Missouri River and was traveling westbound on Highway 34 near Glenwood, when the driver of the pickup, 34-year old Robb Philippus, of Glenwood, failed to see the bike. The accident happened at around 6:40-a.m.

Ezell was thrown from his bike during the crash and came to rest on the north shoulder of the road. The accident remains under investigation.

RAGBRAI riders are enroute from Glenwood to Shenandoah for the event’s first stage, which covers about 50 miles. A “Mile of Silence,” was scheduled for today, dedicated to the memory of those who have been injured or killed while enjoying a bicycle ride. The “Mile of Silence” takes place between Malvern and Tabor.