Natasha Pettigrew, Maryland Green Party candidate for the U.S. Senate
UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: Pettigrew's mother, Kenniss Henry, tells ABC 7's Brad Bell that she plans to hold a vigil for her daughter later this week, likely Thursday or Friday. In addition to remembering Pettigrew, Henry hopes to raise awareness about bike safety and sharing the road with bicyclists.
The Maryland State Police say their investigation into the collision is continuing. The results of the probe will be forwarded to the state's attorney's office.
UPDATE 11:16 a.m., Sept. 21: Maryland State Police say Pettigrew died last night from her injuries.
Per: http://www.tbd.com/articles/2010/09/green-party-candidate-hospitalized-after-accident-12745.html
Original coverage:
Some competition for Senator "Car Tax Credits While Transit Burns" Mikulski?
Natasha Pettigrew Personal
During my free time I enjoy swimming, biking, and running. I was never happier than when I found out about triathlon, which puts all three sports together at once as a sporting event. When I am not training for a triathlon, I enjoy knitting and crocheting blankets to give to those who need them, and I enjoy reading. When our schedules allow, I spend as much time as I can with my friends. However, law school sometimes makes that difficult. My greatest joy is spending time with Bill. No matter how stressful a day gets, his wagging tail and pure joy about everything in life make me smile.
What got my attention is that she was in a bike accident this weekend. I hope she has a speedy recovery and she will be in my prayers.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crime-scene/matt-zapotosky/green-party-candidate-struck-c.html?hpid=newswellA 30-year-old Maryland Green Party candidate for the U.S. Senate was critically injured early Sunday morning after she was hit by an SUV while riding her bike on Route 202 in the Largo area, authorities said.
Natasha Pettigrew was training to compete in a triathlon about 5:30 a.m. Sunday when she was struck by a Cadillac Escalade headed south on Route 202 near the intersection with Campus Way, said Cpl. Darryl Clark, the duty officer at the Maryland State Police’s Forestville barrack.
Pettigrew’s bike was trapped underneath the SUV, and the driver traveled all the way home to an address in Cheverly apparently thinking “they ran over a deer,” Clark said.
Pettigrew was not dragged by the SUV, Clark said, though she was critically injured. He said she remained hospitalized and alive Monday morning.
Greg Shipley, a spokesman for the Maryland State Police, said in an e-mail that the driver reported the crash to Prince George's County police sometime before 6:30 a.m., and officers there reported it to state troopers. He said "while the investigation is continuing, there is no indication at this time alcohol or drug use was involved in this incident."
No one has been charged or cited, Clark said.
This post has been updated since it was first published.
-- Matt Zapotosky
Additional coverage: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/A-Law-Student-and-Senate-Candidate-Was-Struck-by-an-SUV-Sunday-103385829.html
