Charges filed in fatal bicycle crash in Iowa City

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Charges have been filed against an Iowa City woman accused of plowing her minivan into a bicyclist who later died.

The incident occurred on September 15. Ashlee Hopkins was attending the Farm Cycle Ride in Iowa City.

Ok Soon Lee, 77, of Iowa City, hit Hopkins while driving in the 3300 block of Rohret Road, Johnson County Prosecutor Rachel Zimmermann Smith said.

Hopkins was hospitalized and taken off life support a few days later.

Lee is now charged with failure to maintain control, speeding and failure to drive on the right side of the road.

The Johnson County Prosecutor said the police investigation found no evidence of intoxication or cell phone use and no evidence to suggest Lee intentionally engaged in conduct that demonstrated willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others.

“While the harm caused by the defendant’s conduct is immeasurable, given the facts of this case, there is no probable cause for a higher level charge,” Johnson County Prosecutor Rachel Zimmermann Smith said. “Woman. “Hopkins’ death was a tragic loss and a reminder of the responsibility all drivers have to operate motor vehicles safely.”

Each charge can lead to up to 30 days in jail. A conviction for failure to drive on the right side of the road causing death carries an enhanced fine of $1,000, driver’s license suspension for not more than 180 days, or both.

The first hearing is planned to be held on December 6.

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