Cyclist struck during charity bike ride has died, organizer says

A cyclist struck during a charity bike ride west of Kingston, Ont., earlier this week has died, the ride's organizer says.

Jeff Vervaeke ofWaterdown, Ont., died Friday while surrounded by his family, said Gord Townley, the organizer of the 7 Days in May ride for Pancreatic Cancer.

The 42-year-oldwas one of a handful ofcycliststaking part in the 1,200-kilometre journey around Lake Ontario that were struck May 27by a car on Bath Road, west of Kingston, Ont.

51-year-old already charged

Townleypreviously told CBC Radio'sAs it Happensthat the group had pulled over to the road's shoulderto tend to an injured rider when they were struck by a car trying to pass a van.

On May 30, Ontario Provincial Police said they had charged a 51-year-old man withtwo counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.

He was scheduled to appear in court in Napanee, Ont., that afternoonfor a bail hearing.

OPP have not yet said whether the charges against the man will be upgraded.