Police Say This Badly Injured Cyclist Fell, But Family Thinks It Was A Hit-&-Run

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 23, 2017 5:55PM

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A 20-year-old cyclist was sent to the hospital on Monday after some manner of terrible incident occurred while he was riding in Belmont Gardens. Police say he fell, but family members aren't buying it.

Josh Rodriguez was riding east at around 1:30 p.m. Monday along the 4100 block of West Diversey, near Karlov, when he was sent from his bike—either in an accidental fall or, as family contends, by a hit-and-run driver. A Chicago police spokesperson told Chicagoist that the injury was "non-criminal" and that Rodriguez "fell off his bike and was injured."

But the damage was grave enough that Rodriguez's sister, Cynthia Jimenez, suspects her brother may have been struck by a hit-and-run driver. His injuries included a fractured shoulder blade and collarbone and a partially collapsed lung, according to NBC Chicago. He needed stitches to his face, which was severely bruised, and his shoulder bore signs of road rash. Rodriguez did not remember what happened.

(Jimenez posted photos of Rodriguez images. They're shown at the bottom of this post, but be warned: they are graphic.)

Jimenez told WGN on Wednesday that Rodriguez's wallet was missing from the scene and she was still waiting to hear from police if any nearby security cameras had captured video.

Jimenez has set up a GoFundMe page to help with Josh's medical expenses.

"The long road to recover begins and despite him staying positive and hopeful, the burden of the medical bills and living expenses is starting to weigh on him," Jimenez wrote.

GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW