Truck Hits, Kills USF Cycling Team Founder Near Dade City

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TAMPA - A founder of the University of South Florida's cycling team died Sunday after being hit by a Dodge Ram near Dade City, the team said on its Web site.

Joshua Kuck, 22, of Tampa, was riding in an event called the Hilly Hundred when he was hit, according to the team.

The 12:15 p.m. accident occurred 6 miles north of Dade City when he was riding his 2006 racing bicycle, according to a Florida Highway Patrol release. He was heading south on Clay Hill Road when he came to the County Road 41 intersection.

Joshua Kuck

Kuck ran the stop sign on Clay Hill and was making a left onto the county road when he traveled into the path of a 2005 Dodge Ram driven by James T. Browning, 48, of Dade City, the release states.

The Dodge's right front side collided with the rear of his bike. Kuck, who was wearing a helmet, was ejected onto the road's south shoulder. Browning suffered minor injuries.

No charges have been filed.

Roads weren't closed for Sunday's open road ride, said Ruben Watson, president of the event's organizer, the Tampa Bay Freewheelers.

"Josh was instrumental in the formation of the cycling team, and most likely the team would not exist at all if it were not for him," the team's site states. "In addition, Josh brought life to the team with his outgoing and positive attitude. The team deeply mourns his loss and it will take a great deal of time for the team to recover emotionally. At the very least, the 2008 racing will be dedicated to his spirit and hard work."

Kuck was a team co-captain and helped secure sponsorships and school funding for it, the site states.

A junior from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Kuck planned to go into cosmetic surgery and majored in pre-medicine, biology and marketing, according to his MySpace page. He considered himself social and spontaneous and liked to lift weights, camp and bike.

Kuck worked several months this summer at Oliver's Cycle Sports on Tampa Palms Boulevard.

Randy Myhre, the store's owner, said Kuck was mature beyond his years.

"He was a really nice kid who was really together," Myhre said. "He always seemed to have a lot going on. I think he played hockey and lacrosse and helped resurrect the USF cycling team. He's an impressive kid."

Kuck also worked as a student employee for the campus recreation department.

He quickly gained respect while helping deal with communication between club sports, said Eric Hunter, the department's director.

"I was really shocked when I learned of his death and thought how tragic it was that he died doing something he loved doing," Hunter said. "I felt immediately for his family and friends. As a parent myself, it just hits home when something like that happens."