An afternoon training ride during his lunch break turned to tragedy when Irishman Martin Nelis was killed in California.
An Irishman, and the son of a Northern Ireland politician, has been killed by a truck while cycling in the US.
Martin Nelis (54) was fatally injured in the crash in Pleasant Hill, California, late last week. News of his death on Thursday is only now emerging.
He was doing some training on his bike during lunchtime when he was fatally injured.
The driver of the 'big rig' truck involved reportedly did not remain at the scene. It was unclear if he knew he had hit Mr Nelis.
The victim was treated at the scene and then taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
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Mr Nelis was the son of the former Sinn Fein MLA Mary Nelis. His brother in law is the Sinn Fein MLA for Co Antrim Declan Kearney.
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A father of three, Martin Nelis had been living for many years in the US. He was originally from Derry City.
He was a public relations officer for the local authority in Pleasant Hill and was well known in the city.
"We're still trying to process the tragic events," Pleasant Hill mayor Tim Flaherty told ABC 7 News in the US.
"There's been a huge tear in the community fabric. He became so involved in virtually every public aspect, like community events.
“Martin was incredibly bright and witty and a true Irishman,” he added of Mr Nelis, who had worked for the city for over a decade.
The deceased man’s brother Donncha confirmed the tragedy in a Facebook post.
“So heartbroken but proud of having had a great human being as a brother. Our rock is gone but will be in our hearts and many others forever.”
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