Local Pharmacist Struck and Killed While Riding Bicycle

A 53-year-old woman from Cumming was struck and killed on her bicycle Friday afternoon while cycling on State Route 11 in north Georgia, authorities said.

Michele Keller Chesnut, who was riding southbound on State Route 11, was struck head-on by a 2001 Ford Explorer driven by Lemrae Dana Winkler, 40, of Sautee Nacoochee, Ga.

Robin Stone of the Georgia State Patrol (Post 37) said the collision happened around 4:21 p.m. after Winkler was traveling north on State Route 11 in her SUV. While she was negotiating a curve to the right, her vehicle crossed the centerline, went off to the west shoulder, then back onto the roadway striking Chestnut on her bicycle.

Chestnut was killed on impact.

After impact with the bicycle, Winkler's SUV travelled off to the east shoulder of the roadway, struck an embankment and flipped over, Stone said.

Winkler, who was wearing a seatbelt, was taken to Chestatee Regional Hospital with unspecified injuries.

Violations are pending at this time and blood tests were given to Winkler to check for drugs and alcohol but are not expected, according to Stone.

The GSP's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is involved and conducting a supplemental report on the fatal collision.

Post 37 of the GSP works accidents in the tri-county area, which includes Forsyth, Dawson and Lumpkin counties. Stone said since March 1 they have worked seven fatalities. They usually work one fatal accident every six months.

"This is unusual for us," she said.

Also, Stone urges motorists to stay alert while driving.

"We're asking folks to just pay attention, slow down, be mindful of their surroundings, be sure they wear their seatbelts, and no texting," she said. "If you have to talk on the telephone, then pull off to the side of the road and take care of your business. We don't want any more folks to die."

Chestnut's funeral was Tuesday afternoon, according to her obituary. She was a member of the Cumming First United Methodist Church for the past 25 years. As an active member of the church, she was involved with the food pantry. She also participated with “Meals on Wheels,” the Methodist Women’s Club and the American Cancer Society.

Chestnut, who was a pharmacist, worked for Walmart Pharmacy for more than 23 years and had worked for Goodson Drugs in downtown Cumming. She loved all types of outdoor activities including hiking, boating, and her favorite sport, cycling.