Autopsy Reveals No Medical Condition For Bicyclist Killed In Colorado

Mon June 27 2005
Posted Jun 26, 2005
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Cause Of Apparent Blackout Unknown DES MOINES -- Colorado authorities say an autopsy revealed no medical conditions that might have caused Des Moines orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Robert Breedlove to lose consciousness prior to being killed on his bicycle Thursday. Dr. Breedlove, a nationally known endurance cyclist, was on a bike ride across the country. Witnesses say he appeared to slump over his handlebars just prior to his bike crossing the center line and being struck by a pick-up truck in Colorado Thursday. Breedlove was killed instantly. But an autopsy performed in Colorado leaves more questions than answers. There's no evidence of any specific medical condition that caused Dr. Breedlove to swerve into the truck. Race officials assumed a medical condition of some kind, but the authorities say Dr. Breedlove must have blacked out. The reason is unknown. "Something caused him to black out, but the coroner was unable to determine that in his examination," said Paul Skilbeck, an official with the Race Across America. News Channel 8 has been unable to reach the coroner, so it's not known if more tests are being considered.