Ellis Goodwin
A Chickasha man was struck by a car and killed late Monday night while wheeling down North 9th Street in his motorized wheelchair. Just after 7 p.m. William "Chucky" Ryans, 59, was driving his motorized wheelchair northbound on 9th Street.
Just after he passed Illinois Avenue Charles Russell approached in his vehicle. Russell's windshield was fogged over, and he was unable to see Ryans in the middle of the street, Chickasha Police Maj. Elip Moore said.
By the time Ryans came into view, it was too late stop, Moore said.
Russell struck Ryans from behind, throwing him "a good distance," Moore said.
Ryans was able to speak with paramedics when they arrived, but it became apparent that his injuries were much more severe after he was evaluated at Grady Memorial Hospital, Moore said.
Ryans was pronounced dead by 10:30 p.m. The cause of death was massive internal injuries, said Moore. No citations were given and Russell voluntarily submitted to a blood test, Moore said.
The Chickasha Police are still investigating the accident, but there was nothing to indicate intoxication or negligence by Russell, Moore said.
Officer Bill Hintner is leading the investigation.
