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Bicyclist Killed In Route 6 Crash ID'd As 68-Year-Old Doctor From Danbury

DANBURY, Conn. — A 68-year-old doctor from Danbury has been identified as the bicyclist hit and killed by a car on Route 6 in Southeast on Friday, officials said Monday. 

A doctor was killed while riding his bicycle Friday on Route 6/202 in Southeast.

A doctor was killed while riding his bicycle Friday on Route 6/202 in Southeast.

Photo Credit: Google Maps street view

David Eric Wellin, a well-known orthopedic surgeon who lived on Lilac Lane, was bicycling west along the shoulder of Route 6, just east of Starr Ridge Road in Southeast, at about 9:05 a.m. when the accident occurred, said Putnam County Sheriff Donald Smith.

Wellin tried to make a left turn across the roadway, but he crossed into the path of a car that was overtaking him from behind in the westbound lane of the roadway, said Capt. William McNamara.

The car struck the bicycle broadside, and Wellin was fatally injured. He was taken by ambulance to Danbury Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, McNamara said.

The crash occurred in front of the offices of Brewster Medical Group. Two doctors from the office — Dr. Frank Kessler and his son, Dr. Matthew Kessler — rushed to help Wellin and began CPR just seconds after the crash, he added.

The driver of the car has been identified as Ryan T. Smith 18, of Mahopac, N.Y., who was driving alone in a 2000 Honda Civic. He was not injured, McNamara added.

No charges have been filed in the case. The police investigation was continuing.

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