NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Cycling teams across multiple states are mourning the death of a Williamson County man.
Blaise Schaeffer, 31, died following a hit-and-run crash last week.
“Its been tough ‘cause Blaise was such a gem,” Carlos Zamarripa said about his former teammate. “Its been hard. We’re all in disbelief, like, did this just really happen?“
Cycling teams across multiple states are mourning the death of a Williamson County man. Blaise Schaeffer, 31, died following a hit-and-run crash last week. (JIGWATT CYCLING)
Schaeffer was riding his bike along Nolensville Pike when authorities say a driver being chased by police hit him. He was taken to TriStar Nolensville, where he was declared dead.
The suspect continued driving after the collision until the car broke down at Nolensville Pike and Concord Hills Drive.
The Metro Nashville Police Department said the driver reportedly ran off into the woods armed with a weapon, but officers were able to detain a female passenger for questioning.
Police have not said if the passenger is cooperating.
Zamarripa believes this incident underscores the importance of drivers being attentive.
“Just give us a little bit of distance, those few seconds are not going to cause you to be late to whatever you’re going to. Its not worth taking the life of somebody,” he said.
Over a decade ago, Schaeffer joined a cycling team in North Carolina where him and Zamarripa formed a bond.
Schaeffer is described as a person full of life who thoroughly enjoyed being with teammates. In light of his death, his fellow cyclists plan to dedicate the upcoming season to him and continue to raise awareness about roadway safety.
“This was just a sweetheart of a guy, and he just touched, just his positivity, just touched so many people on the bike,” Zamarripa added.
MNPD say they are following “strong leads” in the investigation into the crash.
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