Idaho Falls woman charged with bicyclist’s death

After reviewing investigative reports, the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s office has charged Patricia Ann Beyer, 33, with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in connection with the death of 22-year-old Anne Davis of Virginia.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s office, on July 13, 2016 Davis was riding her bicycle on US HIghway 26 near 75th East in Bonneville County, when she was struck by a vehicle driven by Beyer. A second bicyclist, Laura Stark,25, of Michigan was seriously injured. The women were part of a group of 22 cyclists traveling across the country to raise money for “Bike and Build”. The group was in Idaho Falls to help with a Habitat for Humanity project.

Beyer was also charged with two additional misdemeanors for failing to maintain liability insurance.

Deputy prosecutor John Dewey said the difference between felony and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter is a determination of whether or not the incident entailed “gross negligence”.

Beyer was released on $5,000 bond after her arraignment on the charges Monday. She’ll appear before 7th District Judge Stephen Clark on September 22.