Photo: Dr. Holdiness’ bike after being forensically examined
KOSCIUSKO, Miss.–It’s been just over a year since Dr. Gary Holdiness died on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Now the 17-year-old Kosciusko boy who was driving the truck that struck Holdiness, who was riding his bicycle, has been sentenced.
Breezynews.com reported that the sentence came down June 18 in federal court in Aberdeen. The judge accepted a guilty plea to reckless driving, speeding, unsafe operation and violating the state’s three feet rule meant to give cyclists enough room to safely operate their vehicles.
The sentence was three years probation, a $10,000 fine, and participation in public service announcements to bolster public awareness of cyclists on the Trace.
It was Sunday, May 6, 2012, that “Dr. Gary” was cycling when the boy’s truck hit him at 78 mph, according to a report from Natchez Trace Parkway authorities. That impact effectively sent Holdiness flying through the air at over 90 mph.
It was determined after the forensic investigation that the boy had been texting while driving.
Holdiness was a popular physician and was well-known for his cycling activity. He was preparing for a 200 mile bike trek when he was killed.
