Cyclist in serious condition after striking a deer

Published Thursday, May 1, 2008

By Chris Butler

A 58-year-old Bridgeport man who was seriously injured after his motorcycle hit a deer Saturday afternoon is in serious condition at a Fort Worth hospital.

Joe Reno landed in a ditch when his motorcycle struck the deer as it tried to cross FM 1655. Reno wasn't wearing a helmet and was flown to John Peter Smith Hospital, said Cody Carter, spokesman for the Texas Highway Patrol. Stacy Mensik, hospital spokeswoman, said Reno's condition was serious Tuesday.

Reno was headed southbound, about one mile north of FM 1810, when three deer ran across the road in front of him. His motorcycle struck and killed one of the deer and he suffered internal injuries after the impact threw him into the ditch, Carter said.

A witness found Reno lying on the ground and slipping in and out of consciousness and called authorities.