A cyclist died after he collided with a dog in Central Park on Monday, police said.
The 71-year-old man was cycling on East Drive near East 84th Street around 8:20 a.m. when a golden retriever ran into his path, authorities said.
After the man and the dog collided, he fell and struck the pavement, the NYPD said.
He was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. His name wasn’t immediately released.
Police said the dog wasn’t injured, and the dog’s owner remained at the scene.
The NYPD didn’t immediately release any additional details about the incident. An investigation is ongoing.
Dogs can be off leash in the park between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., but only in specific areas.
The Central Park Conservancy, which manages the park, said it was “heartbroken to hear of the fatal incident that occurred in Central Park this morning involving a cyclist and an off-leash dog.”
“Central Park was created more than 150 years ago to provide a peaceful, joyful respite for all from the intense pace and pressures of the surrounding city,” it said. “The Park cannot continue to serve that purpose unless all New Yorkers hold to the essential agreement of public space: know and follow the rules, and respect your fellow visitors.”
“More than 40 million people share this magnificent 843-acre gift of green space each year. Every single one of us must accept the responsibility to keep it safe and welcoming for one another,” it added. “Leash your dog, observe speed limits, and follow the rules of the Park.”