A bicyclist was struck and killed Tuesday night in rural Hudson by a motorist who left the scene, later telling authorities she thought she had hit a mailbox.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 53-year-old man whose identity has not been released was riding his bicycle east on Kitten Trail around 11:30 p.m. As he approached Dennis Drive, he was struck from behind by a Ford F-250 pickup truck.

The bicyclist came to rest along the south side of Kitten Trail, where he died from his injuries.

The driver of the truck, Melissa Sue Brandl, 40, of Hudson failed to stop to render aid, troopers said. Authorities received an anonymous tip and found her and the truck at her home.

According to an FHP spokesman, Brandl told authorities she kept going because she thought she had hit a mailbox. A report of the incident will be sent to the State Attorney's Office for consideration of charges.