UPDATE: Edwardsburg bicyclist killed after being struck by car

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Bicyclist killed on Ash Road in St. Joseph County

(WSBT image)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Aug 28, 2008 at 6:57 AM EST

Story Updated: Aug 28, 2008 at 3:02 PM EST

ST. JOSEPH CO. — An Edwardsburg man was killed when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle early Thursday morning.

Peter Kaczor, 38, was riding his bike on Ash Road, south of Patricia Church Drive, before 5 a.m. when he was hit from behind by a car driven by 44-year-old Larry Weaver of White Pigeon.

Police say Weaver was heading south on Ash Road when he crossed the center line and hit Kaczor, who was traveling south in the northbound lane. Weaver does not recall crossing the center line, but police say evidence at the scene indicates he did.

Kaczor was pronounced dead at the scene. Weaver was not hurt.

Alcohol or drugs are not considered a factor in the accident, according to Sgt. Bill Redman of the St. Joseph County Police, but Weaver was given a blood test as part of fatal accident protocol.

Police say Kaczor was wearing a helmet as well as a reflective vest. The bike did not have any lights or reflectors.

Initially police had trouble identifying the victim because he carried no ID, Redman said.

But police were contacted by officers in Edwardsburg after Kaczor's wife called and said her husband hadn't returned from his morning bike ride. Redman said he was told Kaczor had been training for a triathlon.

Stay with WSBT.com for updates to this story.

Tribune staff writer Dave Stephens contributed to this report.

Sunday, Aug 31 at 9:04 AM Dr Edward Shuherk wrote ...

Such a tragedy. I lived next door to the Ferris family in Glendora, California years ago. All are just wonderful people. I suggest making his death a reminder to all that driving can get one tired and biking should always be done safely, as he was doing. Rest peacefully Peter. EDS

Saturday, Aug 30 at 7:47 AM David wrote ...

Nancy, God Bless You!

Saturday, Aug 30 at 7:21 AM Devyn (peter's niece) wrote ...

Some of these comments upset me very much! I am Peter's niece and to see some of the hate you people have should be ashamed. he was wearing a helmet and a reflective vest traingin for the triathalon in niles today. the blow to the head instantly killed him even though he was wearing a helmet. please keep the driver in your prayers we are not mad at him just upset over the loss and my aunt (his wife) is writing a letter to the man saying she forgives him it is not his fault and accidents happen

Friday, Aug 29 at 6:39 PM Drive Alert! wrote ...

NOT that it matters here apparenly...but I wonder if the driver of the car dosed off for a moment. What an awful situation. Everyone just needs to think before they drive. If I am too tired, I will stay off the roads. One more thing, please hang up your phone while you drive! This needs to be made a law!!! As my driving instructor from Fricks told me many years ago...cars can be giant weapons, so respect them at all times!

Friday, Aug 29 at 11:38 AM well said wrote ...

Very Well Said Lisa.. I second that!!!

Friday, Aug 29 at 10:01 AM Jacki wrote ...

This just goes to show you why our country is so screwed up. No compansion. Who are you to judge. It just makes me sick that are so quick to blame. I have seen these situations here in Texas. It happens everywhere in this country...people are too busy to pay attention to what's in front of them. You people should try to exercise some compasion and quit blaming. You are not in the position to. Perhaps you'll think differently when you kill someone or someone close to you is killed.

Friday, Aug 29 at 8:10 AM Steve wrote ...

I worked with the driver for years and I know he feels horrible about this. Regardless of blame, this was an accident and he does not deserve some of these comments. Prayers to all the people involved.

Friday, Aug 29 at 8:08 AM Lisa wrote ...

Nancy- You rock lady! After all you have been through in your own life, and you are reaching out to help this grief stricken family. You do not know me, but I admire you for all you are doing and have had to deal with. My prayers to you and your family as well as Pete's. I am sure your husband is looking down and is so proud of you!

Friday, Aug 29 at 7:49 AM This is a sad story wrote ...

Thank you 6:58. This story is not about Marathon Man and his problems. Prayers to Pete's family and friends. It is indeed a terrible accident.

Friday, Aug 29 at 7:37 AM Nancy Sawyer wrote ...

All the comments here simply point to the need for more dialogue on the bike/car issue within our community. I will be creating a forum specifically for that, and I expect every driver, pedestrian, and cyclist take an interest! As far as the family of Pete goes, I would love to set up a memorial web site for him--a place where loved ones can send sincere comments. Please contact me! Go to my husband's memorial site to contact me: Pat

Friday, Aug 29 at 5:58 AM tired of marathon man wrote ...

an accident is an accident how many times do you have to tell us that cars swerve at you why dont you worry about that car. THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT

Thursday, Aug 28 at 10:09 PM Knows bicyclists family wrote ...

Pete and his wife are the most wonderful, loving, Christian people I have had the privilege to know and I am APPALLED that anyone would blame him for this accident. HE DIED. The driver will go home to his family tonight.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 9:48 PM hummm... wrote ...

Why would we post comments on Myspace? That doesn't even make sense. My prayers to all involved, the driver included. It is indeed a tragedy. Bikers, if you MUST ride in the dark, put lights and reflectors on your bikes, it just makes sense.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 9:17 PM TNT wrote ...

This man is my neighnor and I feel really bad for his 3 kids and Wife right now. HE was more than just a family man he was a great neighbor willing to help whenever needed. All I can say is that this man did everything with his family and his family was #1 to him. The whole family was a great bunch and I fully intend to help them out anyway needed in this time of mourning. FOR THE REST OF YOU INCONSIDERATE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO HEART PLEASE GO TO MYSPACE OR SOMEWHERE ELSE TO POST YOU COMMENTS

Thursday, Aug 28 at 9:17 PM sister wrote ...

the rest of his life. Believe me I know my brother, He does have a concience. My whole family is praying for this family AND for my brother. I LOVE YOU BUTCH!!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 9:15 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Hey davw JUST A LITTLE FYI!!! I DO STAY HOME AT NIGHT BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT..SO I DONT NEED YOUR PERMISSION OR BOSSYNESS TO TELL ME TO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT BECAUSE I DONT!!!!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 8:58 PM Dave wrote ...

First of all TS if you think this was the wrong time to ride a bike will you please give us all your phone number so we can check in with you when we want to ride so you can tell us if it's the right time Thanks. And Anonymous 12:56 If you and other people have a "hard time seeing dark things at night", please stay home at night Thank You. Anon 4:05 your phone number as well so we can check in with you to make sure it's a good time Thank You. Get real people a man is dead, have some respect!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 8:58 PM Trafffic Man wrote ...

Folks, I don't think there will be any criminal charges. A Civil trial will be a different things.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 8:26 PM Devastated wrote ...

I am a friend of the cyclist. He is victim to a neligent driver - plain and simple. The driver crossed the center line. That is not an accident. It may not have been intentional, but it is still negligent. The world lost one of the greatest men I have ever met. Please pray for his family. We all need to unite to build safe running/bike paths. I agree with Marathon Man - I have had cars swerve at me when running, and many others that refuse to yield "just because". I am so sad.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 7:48 PM To remind you wrote ...

This is an open forum for people to voice their opinions. It is not a condolence page for the family. I am sorry people, it is what it is.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 7:22 PM larry wrote ...

".....and hit Kaczor, who was traveling south in the northbound lane." The bike rider was riding on the wrong side of the street! This is illegal... Bikes must follow the same rules as cars.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 7:21 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Bikers, keep in mind, a lot of people out there can't chew gum and walk at the same time; and they drive. Don't assume that everyone is processing information like you. Some people are aware of the steering wheel and the road in front of them. Extraneous factors are too much to process, at least quickly. Be mindful of this.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 7:21 PM Not from there wrote ...

I am not from that area but I am friends with one of the victim's sisters. I am shocked that you allow anyone to publish their stupid or not stupid thoughts. How awful for anyone who knew the victim to read this garbage? Someone's life ended short today and no matter how you look at it and obviously not on purpose a careless driver caused that death. Bless the family who has to go on living without their dad/brother/friend/husband etc.and bless the driver who has to live with that guilt.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 6:47 PM splum wrote ...

Ash Rd is a bad road to travel at night. It is a narrow Rd and very dark. And it was foggy on Ash Rd this morning. And it is traveled more now with Wal-Mart,

Thursday, Aug 28 at 6:01 PM To the Sister of the Driver: wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers to your brother and your family. This is a difficult time for all involved and there is no room for the judgment of strangers. This was an accident. We live in a world where it seems necessary to find fault and blame rather than empathy, love and forgiveness. Hold onto your faith and know that God does not cast judgment in the way you have read here. He is not about driving laws and popular vote- He's about PEOPLE. I am a friend of the bicyclist's sister in law.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 5:44 PM Doesn't Matter wrote ...

Just want both families to know they are in our hearts and in our prayers -God Bless

Thursday, Aug 28 at 5:24 PM Co-worker wrote ...

I cannot believe some of these comments that people are writing. The world lost an amazing person today and all you can do is pass judgement and say what he did wrong. His family and friends do not need to be reading this. it is a very difficult time for all involved. Think about the people who lost someone today. Children lost a father; a wife lost a husband and many people lost a friend. I only hope that people are more respectful when they write about you someday. this is terrible.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 4:39 PM Can't believe it.. wrote ...

I know the family of the bicyclist. I honestly can not believe that people would sit here and argue about who's fault it was. Someone's life was lost. It's really a time for prayer and counting your blessings, not to argue and blame. Please stop guys.. It's really disrespectful =/

Thursday, Aug 28 at 4:39 PM Herbert wrote ...

I am constantly flabbergasted by the stream of illiterate, ignorant comments posted after every tragic story on this website. Please, WSBT, explain why this forum is useful for anything but allowing antisocial people to post uninformed, irrelevant, hurtful opinions.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 4:29 PM I'd love to bike to work but wrote ...

Though progress is being made, this area is still not cyclist-friendly. I would love to bike to work but I'd have to travel Grape Road and I won't do it till they put in bike lanes. This gentleman had every right to be on the road, be it 5am or midnight, but I personally wouldn't do it--not in this town, not until bicycle safety is addressed.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 4:25 PM Former cyclist wrote ...

Hey! I've ridden thousands of miles and only recently have stopped because of the morons behinds the wheels. Cyclists have the same rights as drivers and I have always been extra cautious when riding. However, the idiots behind the wheels do not respect cyclists whether they are law abiding or not. I feel for all the victims in the tragic event. Don't blame the cyclist, he was not to blame. The fault lies with the driver of the car. He crossed the center line.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...

You all are passing judgement and don't even know the facts. Was the driver drinking? Was he speeding? For what reason should they punish the person responsible? Is there a such thing as a accident anymore.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:49 PM SISTER wrote ...

I AM THE SISTER OF THE DRIVER. PLEASE PEOPLE DON'T PUT THE BLAME ON EITHER ON OF THESE PEOPLE. BOTH OF THESE FAMILIES ARE REALLY GOING THROUGH A HARD TIME RIGHT KNOW. YOU DON'T KNOW MY BROTHER NOR THE BYCYCLIST. NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO JUDGE ANYONE EXCEPT OUR LORD ABOVE.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:49 PM Rick wrote ...

The bicyclist had every right to be riding. He was wearing reflective gear AND a helmet. This is why I stick to the few bike trails that are around. Doesn't matter if it is day or night. People in cars/trucks just do not pay enough attention when behind the wheel. You get in your own little world. Fiddle with the radio, chat on the cell, yell at the kids in the back seat, mess with your looks in the mirror etc. Then there is the abuse of the speed limit. I'm guilty too. Watch your surroundings!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:43 PM Why? wrote ...

I just heard that another bicyclist was just hit on McKinley......... It is disgusting that with the prioe of gas that safe bike lanes are not being added to all main roads. How many people have to die?

Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:43 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Why is it that we always feel the need to assign blame or fault to a accident. It's called an accident because it's just that! Instead of looking for someone to blame, say a pray for the family of this man, along with the driver who will have to live with the knowledge that someone was killed while he was behind the wheel during and ACCIDENT!!!!!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:40 PM Indoor Runner wrote ...

That is why I run indoors, but it does say that he was riding south in the norhbound lane. Bike riders are supposed to follow the same rules as cars on the road. It still is a tragedy and the driver should have been paying attention. I often have to swerve to miss riders who are riding on the wrong side of the road. It is also true that Ash Road is heavily travelled and the 40 mph speed limit is completely ignored. I would say if we are to cast blame it would have to go both ways.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:29 PM Leo wrote ...

My hearful sympathy goes out to the family on their loss. I know we all need to be much more careful in coming up on bicycles especially during the dark morning hours. I drive the speed limit, and I came upon a biker yesterday morning at 6:00 am -- the biker and bike had no reflectors and was riding with traffic, I just thank God that at the last moment I saw him. An accident can happen, the driver may or MAY NOT have been careless, and now has to live with this. Prayers for both families.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:07 PM Nicole wrote ...

HOW DARE SOME OF YOU PEOPLE BLAME HIM FOR SOME LADY DRIVING OVER THE LINES AND KILLING HIM I FEEL FOR HIS FAMILY I HOPE THEY CAN HEAL FROM THIS HE WAS JUST RIDING HIS BIKE HE SHOULD HAVE NOT BEEN KILLED NOR SHOULD YOU PEOPLE BLAME HIM FOR BEING KILLED U SHOULD BE ASHAMED

Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:05 PM ts wrote ...

pitch black and riding a bike on a heavily traffic rd at 5:00 a.m. (wrong) reflective or not still wrong place wrong time.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:05 PM Anon wrote ...

I can understand riding your bike for exercise, but is it really necessary to do at five in the morning? Bicycle riders have all of the same rights to the road as anyone else, but sometimes common sense is necessary, especially when it was as foggy as this morning.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 2:36 PM Former Cyclist wrote ...

I used to be an avid cyclist, riding in many tours and races. In my opinion, you are putting your life in danger to ride on many of the streets and roads in this area. The streets are too busy and the speeds set much too high.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 2:17 PM Reflective gear wrote ...

He did in fact have reflective gear on. Why was he out there so early? Maybe its the only time he could get any training in because he spends the rest of his day working and being a parent. He has every right to be out there.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 2:14 PM Marathon Man wrote ...

I am pleased to see that a lot of others agree with me. I know first-hand that with a little more attention to the driver's surroundings this could have been avoided. Drivers should always be aware of pedestrians while driving, especially on country roads where atheletes like myself train. Many times I see drivers veer off the road due to negligence. And I am serious when I said that some swerve at me. Happens at least once a week. I wonder if the law can do anything if I get a plate #?

Thursday, Aug 28 at 2:04 PM Appalled!! wrote ...

This person who was killed is someone's loved one. Commenting on here saying he was stupid being out at that particular time riding a bike doesn't help his family with the grieving process. You should all keep your nasty comments to yourselves. What if this was your loved one? Shame on you all!!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 1:43 PM PHM citizen wrote ...

This was an ACCIDENT, period! I not only feel sorry for the biker's family, but also the driver of the car! At that time of day, it is too dark for a person to be biking or walking along a county road. Common sense tell us this.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 1:39 PM My cousin's husband wrote ...

The bicyclist is my cousin's husband. I'll not give a name right now due to the police investigation but none of you that comment here have any idea of what happened to pass judgement. Marathon Man is more correct than he knows.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 1:27 PM vawn wrote ...

I travel Ash Road on my way to work. People fly down it. I have been almost hit several times in my car. A bicyclist has every right to be on the road at any hour. Motorists are to busy ie: talking on cell phone, eating, listening to music to PAY ATTENTION to what they are doing. We all need to slow down and be accountable for our actions. Why was this motorist not arrested? He crossed the center line! There is a double standard for bicylces/motor vehilce drivers and it is time it stops!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 12:56 PM Loss for words wrote ...

I personally Know the family this is a devastating loss! The man was a loving Father and Husband. A true class act. He was training for a marathon. I dont think this is the time to try and place blame on anyone. It is a time of sorrow and mourning. With Gods help the Family will somehow get through this day. I offer them my most sincere condolences. May God Bless

Thursday, Aug 28 at 12:41 PM Local Doc and Triathlete/Marathoner. wrote ...

The first comment is exactly why we keep getting killed. "Why are you riding a bike on a county road....." Why was the other person driving a car on a country road before 5am? Was it's lights on? Did it not see the cyclist? Why did they cross the center line? "Who's at fault here..." give me a break. This story is bad enough and then you go and pour salt in our wounds with that type of comment. Wake up, cyclist and runners have evry right to be on the road at any time. Quit killing us!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 12:37 PM Sick of seeing it! wrote ...

I wrote the comments under the title of "not a time change fan", which I'm not, but I'm even less of a fan of drivers who don't know how to stay on their side of the yellow line! This morning at Capital and Harrison in Mishawaka an S.U.V came screaming up from behind me and crossed over the DOUBLE yellow line to reach the left turn lane before the light changed. This person nearly caused a head on collision. Wake up people! These are not spaceships! they are simple vehicles with simple rules!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 12:26 PM Ash Road resident wrote ...

I live less than 50 yards where this happened. It is a terrible tragedy. It was pitch black outside at 5. We have lived on Ash Road for almost 3 years and have 3 cars run up into our front yard. Everyone drives to fast. I am suprised that it has not happened before this. Maybe now the police will crack down on these inconsiderate people before someone else is killed.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 12:24 PM dave wrote ...

Bike lanes would be more suitable than sidewalks...to many pedestrians. There's nothing wrong with following rules and riding at 5am. He might have needed to maybe be somewhere? The evidence will come out but sad story.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 12:18 PM KJ wrote ...

I agree with Marathon Man. It is time we start prosecuting these drivers. I realize they probably feel bad, but when you take a life by crossing the center line for no reason, or pass 4 or 5 cars on a snowy morning like the Bremen fatality, it is time the prosecutors start doing their jobs. Call your prosecutors and demand some accountability from these drivers. Please drivers watch the road! And yes bike paths/sidewalks but that is another subject.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 12:16 PM mb wrote ...

This was an accident. No one is to blame. I'm sure the driver feels horrible enough without ignorant people assuming she could have missed him. Accidents unfortunately happen all the time.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 12:04 PM Anonymous wrote ...

people shouldn't judge why the cyclist was riding at that hour. maybe this person was riding to work? driver's aren't looking for people on the road at 5 a.m. granted we should all be alert but really it is not expected at that hour. I know where I live there is a lady that walks at this hour and many times you don't see her till your right at her. she is not being very sensible but what can you do? Guess when she gets hit she will realize it is not a good idea.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 11:56 AM Anonymous wrote ...

YEAH THERE IS AN EXCUSE..Maybe he was wearing dark clothes IN THE DARK!!!!!! For some of us it is hard to see dark things that are in the dark at night... there is not light at this part of the road maybe the driver just didnt see the rider.. Its called an accident

Thursday, Aug 28 at 11:00 AM Floyd, Mishawaka wrote ...

This is truly sad, but why are you riding a bike at 5am on a country road? Its still dark. Was he wearing reflective gear? Did bike have lights? Sad story but who's at fault here? Your in my prayers.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 9:30 AM citizen wrote ...

All it would take is a few seconds to slow down or stop..and spare a life...such a tragedy. My prayers to the families

Thursday, Aug 28 at 9:22 AM kc wrote ...

how many more people have to die until the city actually puts sidewalks that people can use. It is ridiculous that a city w/ such prestige, i.e.(N.D.), we have no way for anyone, who wants to exercise and be outdoors,to bike, skate, or run... This city has no sidewalks, who would have thought in 2008, we are so behind the times. If the city cares about their people, THEN MAKE SOME SIDEWALKS FOR PEOPLE TO USE!!!!!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 8:54 AM Not a time change fan either! wrote ...

I woke up at 6 this morning an it was as dark as it is at 3AM, and this happened an hour earlier at 5 AM! I drive a school bus and am very familiar with that area and I have been startled several times by riders and walkers that are not visible until the last second. Once I had to serve violently to avoid hitting a bike rider in the head with my mirror. And speed was not a factor, when it's dark it's dark and unless it moves to reflect a shimmer of light it could be too late at any speed.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 8:44 AM Marathon Man wrote ...

They need to punish this person responsible to the fullest extent of the law. There is no reason why a vehicle would strike a person on a bike, walking, etc out on Ash Road. You can clearly see ahead of you. I am marathon training and I run on similiar country roads in South Bend and some vehicles swerve at me on purpose. There is no excuse for this!

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