A bicyclist was killed Wednesday morning along the Courtney Campbell Causeway after he rode over a downed live power line on a bike trail.
He was identified as 47-year-old Gregory Patterson, an active officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- Bicyclist dies after riding over downed power line
- Identified as FWC officer
- Incident being investigating
According to Tampa Police, the accident happened at 6:40 a.m. on the bike trail adjacent to the roadway in the Rocky Point area of the causeway, near Ben T. Davis Beach.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and Tampa Electric utility crews also responded to the scene to assist the male victim and with the downed live power lines. However, emergency personnel could not approach the man until the power was turned off.
Patterson, of Tampa, was killed at the scene.
The incident briefly backed up traffic along the roadway.
TECO officials said the power line may have been knocked down during Tuesday evening's storms, but that hasn't been confirmed.
Although police say it appears that he was electrocuted, the Medical Examiner will make the final determination.
Police say Patterson was recently involved in a lifesaving mission and the Tampa Police Department was nominating him for a department lifesaving award.
Officers say Patterson responded to a jet ski accident near the Gandy Bridge on Sunday, July 10th. Police say he dove into the water to rescue one of the victims.