Pendleton, SC : Crews locate body of missing cyclist after crash on 11th August, 2016

Search crews in Anderson County located the body of a cyclist who called for help after crashing into a dry creek bed, the coroner's office confirmed.

Police said they received reports 79-year-old Randy Gordan was riding a bicycle in Pendleton when he was hit by a tree or pole from a vehicle. He reportedly crashed around 12:30 p.m.

Pendleton Police Chief Doyle Burdette said the victim's wife received a voicemail from him saying he was in an accident and couldn't get out of a creek. He also reportedly called a family friend and left a similar message.

Several agencies began searching for the cyclist, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Anderson County Sheriff's Office, Anderson County Technical Rescue, Anderson County Special Operations, and the Pendleton Fire Department.

Police said the search was made difficult by rainy weather, which prevented them from using a helicopter for aerial scanning.

Coroner Charlie Boseman confirmed crews found Gordan's body in a ravine off Sargent Drive just after midnight on Friday.

Boseman said Gordan had taken off his shirt and hung it from a tree branch to signal for help. The man's cell phone was with his body, but Boseman said the battery was dead.

Gordan's orange specialized road bike was also near his body. Boseman said the bike did not show any signs of damage that would indicate it was struck by a car. Investigators believe Gordan may have lost control in a curve and crashed while cycling at full speed.

Gordan suffered chest trauma and an autopsy will be performed Friday morning to determine an exact cause of death. Boseman said foul play is not suspected.

The elderly cyclist had been training for a bike race in Virginia.

Source :
Crews locate body of missing cyclist after crash