Bicycling event fatality at 2015 World Police & Fire Games at PW Forest Park

Cycling Event Crash Investigation – On July 2nd at 12:20PM, investigators from the Crash Investigation Unit responded to Prince William Forest Park located in Triangle (22172) to investigate a crash involving multiple bicyclists participating in an event for the 2015 World Police & Fire Games.

The investigation revealed that while traveling downhill, one of the bicyclists sustained a front tire blowout. The crash caused a chain reaction collision with other bicyclists.

Of those bicyclists, three of the participants sustained severe injuries and were taken to area hospitals for treatment. One of the injured athletes died at the hospital at 5:00 PM on July 2.  The remaining two bicyclists are in critical condition.

The incident occurred on a closed cycling course on Scenic Dr. near Turkey Run Rd. along the roadway within the park. All bicyclists were wearing proper safety equipment at the time of the crash. 

Members of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue had been standing by at the event and rendered immediate aid.  In addition, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and two off duty Fairfax County police officers watching the event, also supported and provided aid.

Acting Prince William County Police Chief, Major Steve Thompson said, “On behalf of the Prince William County Police Department, I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased athlete, Carlos Silva.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the other injured athletes, fellow team mates, and the public safety family throughout the world”.

The deceased participant was identified as Carlos Silva, 48, of Brazil.

The injured participants were identified as a 44 year old man and a 43 year old man.