Son of former Florida governor hit, killed while riding bike

Former U.S. Senate candidate LeRoy Collins Jr. was killed in a bicycle accident Thursday morning.

Tampa police said the 75-year-old retired Navy admiral was hit by an SUV while riding his bicycle near downtown Tampa.

Collins was the son of a former Florida governor and currently director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Collins was hit while riding in a pedestrian crosswalk. The driver was making a left turn and apparently didn't see Collins. 

Police call the death a tragic accident and said no criminal charges will be filed.

Former state representative Sandy Murman said she will miss Collins a great deal. She called her next door neighbor of 16 years her mentor and friend.

"He just had terrific insight about how to deal with the problems facing Florida," Murman said. "This is a huge loss for our community, not just for those of us, who were his personal friends. I'm sorry I don't want to break up. But he was a man who was a true leader."

Gov. Charlie Crist announced Collins' passing during his morning cabinet meeting. Following a moment of silence, he called Collins a great public servant.

"It's just a tremendous loss and a great sadness for all of Florida," Crist said.

Murman said his loss will be felt in Tallahassee and in the Bay area.

"He is going to be missed by so many people," Murman said.

Collins received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956, transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1966 and retired as a two-star rear admiral in 1990. His father was governor from 1955 to 1961. Collins Jr. ran for the U.S. Senate in 2006, losing in the Republican primary.

Gov. Crist has requested flags be lowered to half-staff at the Capitol, all facilities operated under the control and direction of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, and all State-owned buildings, courthouses, and city halls in Hillsborough County

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Condolences

"Admiral Collins has been a loyal and constant advocate for quality health care and economic support for Florida's veterans, as well as a lifelong Floridian dedicated to improving the quality of life of all in our state. As a consummate gentleman and outstanding role model, his sudden loss will impact veterans throughout Florida, as well as the Tampa community where he was a business leader while continuing to serve his country in the Navy Reserve. I join all Floridians in praying for peace and comfort to his wife Jane and their children and grandchildren."

-Gov. Charlie Crist

“Admiral Collins dedicated his life to the protection of our state, country, and our veteran community. As Floridians, we are all indebted to Admiral Collins for his honorable service, and for being such a vocal advocate for the 1.8 million veterans in our state. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children and grandchildren during their time of mourning.”  

-CFO Alex Sink

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Admiral Collins. He was an untiring leader for Florida, as a public servant, as a warrior and as a friend to all who knew him. At the helm of Florida's Department of Veterans' Affairs, he helped to better the lives of nearly two million military veterans and their families and survivors. In his long and distinguished Naval career, he helped defend this nation. And in a multitude of other ways large and small, he was constantly working to make this a better place. I am very saddened by his death. We are all much poorer for his loss."

-U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam 

"The VA Sunshine Healthcare Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN 8) family is deeply saddened by the untimely death of Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. USNR (ret.). As Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs since 2007, Admiral Collins was a steadfast partner with VISN 8. His unwavering commitment and dedication to ensuring Florida's Veterans received the benefits they so richly deserved was unparalleled. On behalf of VISN 8 employees across the state, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and those who had the privilege to know and work with the Admiral."

- VA Sunshine Healthcare Network