Pedal cyclist dies after being struck by car

…driver claims he fell asleep

A 39-year-old woman is now dead after she was struck by a car on the Zeeburg Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), while she was riding her bicycle on Saturday afternoon.
Dead is Somattie Persaud, a fish vendor, of Lot 75 Mandal Street Zeeburg, WCD.
According to Police, the woman was struck down at about 15:20h, by a hire car owned and driven by a 44-year-old male contractor of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
Reports are that the woman was cycling west on the southern side of the Zeeburg Public Road while the motor car was proceeding in the same direction behind her when the driver reportedly fell asleep but awoke when he felt an impact.
The driver told Police as he exited his vehicle, he observed that he was stationary at a concrete fence on the southern side of the road, and a female with a pedal cycle was seen lying on the southern grass parapet motionlessly, with injuries about her body.
The woman was picked up by the driver, along with public-spirited citizens, and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where she succumbed whilst receiving treatment.
Her body was escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, the driver of the motor car was arrested and placed into Police custody. A breathalyser test was conducted on him but no trace of alcohol was found in his breath. An investigation has been launched. (G9)