Tragic end for charity bicycle tour on a Georgia road

Todd Metts

Two of the three Florida friends who embarked on a 850-mile pledge bicycle tour were laid to rest in separate ceremonies on Saturday.

Jeffrey Dunn

All three were struck by a motorist on a Georgia highway one night last month. Only one survived.

Todd Metts, Jeffrey Dunn and Kenny Hunt were long-time cycling companions. Metts, a board member of a missionary group, suggested the other two join him on a pledge ride this spring from Washington DC to their homes in Florida.

Driving to Washington DC, the trio set off on their 100-mile-a-day bike tour on April 19.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that the three were bicycling at the edge of Highway 17 south of Eulonia, Georgia, when they were struck from behind at about 10 p.m. on April 26. Georgia State Patrol said the three had plenty of lights and reflective gear.

A columnist at the Daytona Beach News-Herald was told they were wearing reflective vests and were riding single-file on the shoulder down the coastal highway that roughly parallels Interstate 95.

Hunt, riding at the front, survived, although he suffered a broken leg and other injuries. Metts and Dunn died at the scene.

The van driver told police that he didn’t see them. The Georgia State Patrol is continuing its investigation.

Dunn’s mother, Sandra Dunn, describes the three as fast friends and salt-of-the-earth type guys. Dunn installed windows and doors for home improvement centers, Metts owned a landscaping business and Hunt manages a used car dealership.

According to reports, the three visited the room at their motel that night only to discover it had a single bed and no air conditioning. They decided to push on to the next town for lodging.

The three were riding to raise money for a pregnancy center in Costa Rica for Beautiful Feet International. The missionary group plans to name the center after Metts, who served on the mission’s board.

Obituaries for Todd Metts and Jeffery Dunn.