D.C. residents Greg Chittick and Jimmy Walton were killed in a bicycle crash in Dewey Beach, Delaware, on Saturday. The driver had a medical emergency, according to police. News4’s Darcy Spencer spoke with their devastated friends.
Newlyweds who lived in Washington, D.C. died after they were hit by an SUV Saturday night in Dewey Beach, Delaware, as they rode bikes, police say.
Richard "Greg" Chittick, 58, and James "Jimmy" Walton, 53, were hit along Route 1, Delaware State Police said. The driver is believed to have had a medical emergency and blacked out.
Chittick and Walton were avid cyclists who married about a year ago and spent time at a beach house in Rehoboth Beach, their stunned friends told News4.
"The fact that both of them were taken like this, I still can't get my mind around it," friend Kenny Allen said.
"This is really unbelievable. I just can't fathom it, that they're gone. I just can't believe it," neighbor Jim Hristakos said, rubbing his head.
Investigators said the two men were straddling their bicycles near the Starboard Bar and Restaurant when a black SUV accelerated toward them, striking them.
Police said the driver of the SUV, a 61-year-old from New York, suffered "an acute medical event, causing him to black out." The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police said impairment or distraction is not believed to be a factor.
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It was not immediately clear if any charges would be filed against the driver.
Chittick worked as a government contractor, and Walton was a graphic designer and consultant. They lived in a condo complex in Adams Morgan.
"Everyone is just devastated," said John Theoharis, who knew the couple.
They were planning to take their honeymoon in Hawaii this spring.
