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Bicyclist dies in late night accident on Route 33, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATED AT 5:37 a.m.

A 19-year-old Genesee County resident died Wednesday night after he was struck by an SUV on Route 33 in Darien just east of County Line Road.

Dean Cullinan, of Corfu, was walking with his bike along Genesee Street heading east when an eastbound vehicle driven by Kris Clark, 32, of Corfu, struck him.

Cullinan was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Kristine Flanagan.

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble said the Cullinan appeared to have been in the driving lane when he was struck.

"We don't see any signs of lights or reflectors on the bicycle," Dibble said. "That would be a factor in the accident."

Cullinan's name was not released until some hours after the accident pending further family notification. Some members of his family where on scene after learning of an accident involving a bicyclist.

The accident remains under investigation and the belief that the rider was in the driving lane is still a preliminary conclusion, Dibble said.

"We have some work to do," Dibble said. "Some of the work will have to be done in the daylight when we have better lighting, but we've done what we can do tonight."

Clark also apparently had a hard time seeing Cullinan because Cullinan was wearing dark-colored clothing, according to the Sheriff's Office. There was also an oncoming vehicle that created difficult site conditions prior to the accident.

There was an initial attempt to perform CPR on the victim, but a deputy arrived on scene minutes later and informed dispatchers the accident was a fatal.

Darien Fire, Darien Ambulance and Mercy EMS responded to the scene.

The name of the SUV driver has not yet been released either. The SUV was towed from the scene. Its passenger-side headlight assembly was heavily damaged.

"It was dark. It was unlit road. I don't think he (the SUV driver) had much time for reaction," Dibble said.

(Initial Report)

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