Bicyclist struck by pickup truck while crossing near Harpertown-Gilman Road
November 13, 2025 | Elkins, WV
A tragic vehicle versus bicycle collision claimed the life of 71-year-old Mark Spencer on Thursday in Elkins, according to the West Virginia State Police (WVSP).
Mark Spencer, 71, of Elkins, was riding a bicycle on the Allegheny Highlands Trail when a southbound Ford F-150 struck him on U.S. Route 219 near Harpertown-Gilman Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
Officials report that Spencer, of Elkins, was riding a bicycle on the Allegheny Highlands Trail when he attempted to cross U.S. Route 219 near Harpertown-Gilman Road. At approximately 5:45 p.m., he was struck by a southbound Ford F-150 pickup truck.
- Date and Time: Nov. 13, 2025, around 5:45 p.m.
- Location: U.S. Route 219 near Harpertown-Gilman Road, Elkins, West Virginia
- Victim: Mark Spencer, 71, of Elkins, pronounced dead at the scene
- Vehicle Involved: Ford F-150 pickup truck southbound
- Investigating Agency: West Virginia State Police
- Contact for Information: Call 304-637-0200
Authorities are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information to contact them.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Bicycle accidents on roadways present unique dangers for riders. While laws protect bicyclists, incidents like this highlight ongoing vulnerabilities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the 1,105 bicyclist deaths reported in 2021, a significant portion involved motor vehicle crashes. Factors contributing to such accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield at intersections or trails
- Speeding vehicles
- Poor visibility, especially during evening hours
- Inadequate infrastructure for cyclists crossing roads
Year |
Total Bicyclist Deaths |
Motor Vehicle-Related |
Other Incidents |
Source |
|---|
2021 |
1,105 |
About 900 |
About 205 |
CDC |
2020 |
1,010 |
About 850 |
About 160 |
CDC |
2019 |
857 |
About 700 |
About 157 |
CDC |
Data sourced from CDC National Center for Health Statistics mortality files. Note: Exact motor vehicle figures are estimates based on reported trends.
Legal Insights
Newsline's national legal analysts provide expert perspectives on bicycle accidents and potential legal recourse in cases such as this.
“Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, and many factors can contribute to serious crashes,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire expert witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Conduct an independent investigation promptly to preserve evidence.
- Review police reports, witness statements, and insurance details thoroughly.
- Hire expert witnesses to analyze crash dynamics.
- In wrongful death cases, families may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience with fatal bicycle accidents. She offers free consultations to those in need of legal guidance.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).