Gainesville cyclist, 27, dies in hit-and-run in Putnam County

J.C. Derrick

Key Points

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is seeking a Kia driver in a hit-and-run that killed a 27-year-old Gainesville woman riding her bicycle in Putnam County on Monday evening.

According to an FHP release, a 35-year-old East Palatka man driving a 2020 Kia Forte was driving westbound on St. Johns Avenue just west of West Larson Boulevard at 9:45 p.m. in Palatka when he veered into the left portion of the two-lane roadway and collided with the bicyclist.

Emergency responders pronounced the Gainesville woman dead on scene.

The driver of the Kia fled the scene on foot. Anyone who has information about the crash or the driver is asked to call the FHP at 904-695-4000.