Vigil Held for Cyclist Killed Last Week on Hwy. 90

A cyclist was killed while crossing the street just over a week ago at the corner of Highway 90 and Beauvoir Road. Wednesday night, friends and family of Marie Brandenburg gathered at the accident site to hold a vigil in her honor.

Terry Brandenburg, Marie’s husband, says, "Just over a week ago, God came down to Marie and said, ‘I need your help exercising some souls up here.’”

The grief stricken words of a husband who will have to go on without his wife rang out across the beach Wednesday evening. Friends, family, runners, and cyclists from across the Coast gathered at the site of last week’s tragic accident to remember Marie Brandenburg. Nancy Phillips, the President of the Gulf Coast Running Club, says, "I noticed in the original report, they called her an elderly lady. There was nothing old or elderly about her. She was a very vibrant, active woman and was someone that was a great pleasure for me to know."

Marie was killed September 23rd when she was struck by a car while walking her bike across the street. The cycling and running community was stunned by the loss. Allison Gray, President of the Gulf Coast Bicycle Club, says, "I did not personally know her, but I organized this vigil because she was such an important part of our community. She touched so many lives and she was active in cycling and running."

Friends and family gathered near the intersection where Marie was killed to remember and celebrate her life, as well as raise safety awareness for cyclists and joggers. Gray also says, "Safety is most important, and motorists should be aware at all times that there is a law to protect cyclists to share the road. It’s important for us to share the road and maintain our active lifestyle and live in the same area as motorists."

The John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act, named after a young cyclist from Tupelo who lost his life in an accident, was passed in 2010 and aims to protect cyclists sharing the road with motorists.

Phillips closes, "Always be cautious and always expect the unexpected. People don’t always do what they are supposed to do. Be courteous, respectful of other runners, cyclists, drivers. Watch for the drivers because they may not be watching you."