Columbia, Missouri (October 20, 2025) — A 56-year-old Jefferson City man was killed Monday morning after being struck by a dump truck while riding his bicycle in Columbia, according to the Columbia Police Department (CPD).
Incident Details: Authorities identified the victim as Roger Bone, a resident of Jefferson City. The collision occurred at the intersection of Range Line Street and East Business Loop 70 when a dump truck turning north from East Business Loop onto Range Line struck Bone, who was cycling nearby.
Emergency personnel from the Columbia Fire Department and EMS arrived quickly and attempted life-saving measures, but Bone was pronounced dead at the scene. The dump truck driver was not injured and remained on-site, cooperating with investigators. Traffic in the area was closed for several hours while police documented evidence and cleared the intersection.
Investigation: The Columbia Police Department’s Traffic Unit is leading the investigation to determine how the collision occurred. Investigators are analyzing factors such as visibility, traffic signal timing, and the truck’s turning path relative to the bicycle’s position. Intersections like Range Line and Business Loop often present visibility challenges for large commercial vehicles due to blind spots and wide turning angles.
Police will likely review surveillance footage from nearby businesses and examine whether the truck’s mirrors and safety equipment were adjusted correctly. Investigators will also assess whether the driver failed to yield the right of way to Bone, as cyclists are afforded the same roadway rights as motor vehicles under Missouri Revised Statutes §307.188.
Because the vehicle involved was a commercial dump truck, authorities may inspect maintenance logs and company safety records to ensure compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These rules govern inspection standards, load management, and driver operating hours. Any deviation could indicate corporate negligence beyond the driver’s actions.
The investigation may also explore whether roadway design or inadequate bike lane markings contributed to the crash. Cities that fail to provide safe intersections for cyclists can sometimes share partial liability under state law.
Legal Considerations: Fatal collisions between cyclists and heavy commercial vehicles often result in complex liability questions. If evidence confirms that the truck driver failed to yield or execute a safe turn, both the driver and their employer could be held liable in a wrongful death claim. The Bone family may pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and the emotional toll of their loss.
I send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Roger Bone as they grieve this tragic loss.