What began as an ordinary trip through a south Columbus shopping area ended in tragedy this afternoon, when a 79-year-old man was fatally injured after being thrown from a three-wheeled Ryker in a commercial parking lot along South High Street.
The man, later identified as Kenneth James, was riding a 2023 Can-Am Ryker when it was hit from behind and sent out of control in the 3700 block of South High Street near Great Southern Court shortly after 2:17 p.m., according to NBC4. Medics and Columbus Division of Police officers responded to the scene, and James was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Authorities later confirmed he did not survive his injuries.
Crash details
The Columbus Division of Police said a 2012 Cadillac SRX struck the rear of the Ryker in the commercial lot, causing the three-wheeler to lose control and eject James from the vehicle. Investigators are still working to determine how the crash unfolded, and officials have not released any information about the driver of the Cadillac. The Accident Investigation Unit is expected to review evidence collected at the scene, and no citations or charges have been announced.
Investigation underway
Authorities have not yet said whether speed, impairment, or a mechanical issue might have contributed to the collision, NBC4 reported. Detectives are canvassing the area and looking for surveillance video from nearby businesses in an effort to piece together a clearer picture of what happened in the moments before impact. Police said they plan to release additional details as the investigation progresses.
Parking-lot risks and safety
Parking-lot crashes are far more common than most drivers might think. The National Safety Council estimates that tens of thousands of collisions occur in lots and garages every year, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. The NSC points to distracted driving, limited sight lines, and tight or confusing lot designs as frequent contributors to serious incidents, even at relatively low speeds. Local police are again urging both drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and move cautiously in busy commercial parking areas.
