(EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated. An earlier version incorrectly indicated an autopsy had been performed. The Olean Star regrets the error.)
By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
The Olean man involved in an e-bike accident on June 20 near the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Queen Street, has died of his injuries in Eric County Medical Center.
Nicholas “Nick” Meyer, 45, who was found seriously injured about 2:45 a.m. that day, died of his injuries on Saturday, July 4.
Family members found Nick, who was on his way home from work, injured by the side of the street and alerted police and an ambulance
Olean Police have concluded their investigation into the accident, originally reported as a hit and run, and found that Nick crashed his bike, slid on the pavement and struck the curb with his head.
Family members met with an Olean Police Department officer on Tuesday to discuss the findings of the police. The family has offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to the person who they believe struck Nick.
Police Capt. Robert Blovsky said that while it was initially believed to have been a hit and run accident, the investigation indicated that Nick crashed the e-bike and struck the curb with his head.
The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office said the injuries were consistent with sliding on pavement and sustaining severe head injuries by hitting the curb, Blovsky said. The ME found injuries that were “consistent with an e-bike injury and not being run over,” he added.
There was no autopsy as the Olean Star had stated in an earlier version of this story. The Olean Star regrets the error.
Blovsky said the Olean Police Department investigation was aided by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’;s Department and New York State Police.
The police captain said the family is struggling to accept the findings that Nick was not a hit and run victim as was initially believed.
Police viewed a number of videos from area residents — mostly doorbell cameras — during their investigation, Blovsky said.
Forensic analysis of a truck that passed by Nick 6 minutes before he was found by his wife “showed no evidence of a hit-and-run,” according to Blovsky.
The family, which was not convinced of the cause of death, has asked for a further meeting later this week with Olean Police investigators.
One family member, Nick’s brother Kyle Meyer, posted on Facebook on Tuesday, saying:
“Over the last several weeks, our community has rallied around our family in ways we’ll never be able to fully express. The prayers, the calls, the messages, the tears, and the love shown by friends, family, and even complete strangers have carried us through some of the darkest days of our lives. We are forever grateful.
In the days ahead, we will gather to celebrate the life of my brother, Nicholas “Nick” Grant Meyer. He deserves to be remembered well because he brought life into every room he entered. He loved deeply, laughed loudly, and left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him. But as we honor his life, we will also continue to fight for what he deserves, justice.”aughed loudly, and left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him. But as we honor his life, we will also continue to fight for what he deserves, justice.”
The family has not rescinded its reward.
Discover more from Olean Star
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
