Marcia Ann Meeks, a 44-year-old nurse, was headed toward her Lake Jackson home when her pickup slid into the cyclists. DPS trooper Blaine Chesser says Meeks told him that she'd just flipped down the visor because the sun was in her eyes. But Chesser also noticed a McDonald's bag on the floor and a spilled soft drink on the passenger seat -- signs that she may have been otherwise distracted by eating.
The lack of skid marks left investigators without a clear indication of her speed, although Chesser says it was probably no more than a few miles an hour over the posted 35-mph limit. Brazoria County District Attorney Jeri Yenni says the case will be referred to a grand jury without charges, saying that panel will be saddled with the always "tough call" of deciding if there was any criminal negligence in an accident. Meeks, who refused to talk to the Press, has a clean driving record.
Daniel Kramer
Dr. Henry Martinez examines Thomson's blood clot
injury, which has kept him from long rides.
Daniel Kramer
Thomson's club believes there's safety in numbers.
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Chesser, who arrived at the scene about six minutes after the accident, reported that the payment was dry. Sugar Land police officer Lance Phy, who was on the bike ride with the group, recalled there were some wet patches. He believes the woman may have hit a damp spot, overcorrected when the truck began skidding and fishtailed out of control.
Phy agrees with Chesser that the riders were doing nothing wrong. "Fate had put itself into motion, and her actions were completely independent of our presence," Phy says. "If we would've been 30 seconds slower, we might've come up on this truck in a ditch."
Thomson, who terms it a "freak accident," sustained a blood clot on his right knee that has prevented him from cycling long distances. He says it could be months until he's able to ride like he did before.
Minutes after the collision, a few other bikers came upon the chaotic aftermath. They saw the medical helicopter clattering off and the ambulance rushing away with Thomson -- and the two motionless bodies covered by sheets.
One of the riders who arrived, Episcopalian minister Andy Parker, wasn't sure what to do initially. Then he had the others gather in a circle around James Roy Thomerson.
"Into your hands, O Merciful Savior, we commend your servant…," Parker began. The Episcopalian last rites. In 14 years as a priest, he had recited these words countless times in homes and hospitals. But never like this.
Parker got choked up, but he pressed on.
"May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."
Parker repeated the prayer for Brian Joseph Delaney, also a father of two.
It wasn't any easier the second time.
