Brent McLarty killed cycling
Brent McLarty, the father of pro triathletes Sara and Dustin McLarty, was killed when he was hit by a van while cycling near his home in Deland, Florida Wednesday.
The Florida High Patrol reported that McLarty, 62, was riding on the paved shoulder of State Road 11 near Lake Diaz Park Road in Deleon Springs at 7:30 AM Wednesday when a 2004 Ford van driven by Cody Haynes, 23, drifted off his lane and struck the cyclist. Both McLarty and the van were headed northbound, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. According to a report issued by Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Kim Montes, McLarty died at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending, according to the FHP.
Brent McLarty was an enthusiastic multisport participant and competitor who encouraged and nurtured both Sara and Dustin to great success in swimming and triathlon. Sara McLarty was an All-American swimmer at the University of Florida who finished 4th at the US Olympic swimming trials and last year won the Life Time Fitness / Toyota Cup Challenge series. Her many other other highlights include a 3rd place at Escape From Alcatraz in 2006. Dustin McLarty also starred at the University if Florida swim team and is pursuing a pro triathlon career while a graduate student at UC Irvine. Dustin finished 2nd at the USA Triathlon Collegiate Nationals this spring.
The family will be holding a celebration of Brent McLarty’s life Saturday August 27 at Ol’ McLarty’s Farm on Marsh Road in Deland beginning with a 10-mile group ride.
In the immediate aftermath of her father’s death, Sara McLarty wrote a brief note on her Facebook page:
“My dad was an amazing man. He loved life, adventures, solving problems, creating masterpieces, and breaking a good sweat! He died today on a bike ride…doing something he loved.”
