By Kathy Feist
A bike ride fundraiser has been set up for the family of deceased Martin City K8 School math teacher Charles Criniere. “Bright Lights for Charlie” is set for Saturday, September 17, starting at 8 a.m. at Longview Lake Beach, 11101 Raytown Road. Routes will vary from 10 miles to 100 kilometers. In lieu of a registration fee, free will donations will be accepted. For more information, contact Jeremycvandeventer@gmail.com.
This cycling event will promote tail lights for cyclists. Local bike shops are offering a discount on tail lights up until the day of the race.
International UCI cyclist Jordan Miller will attend the event.
On August 28, a driver hit Criniere while he was bicycling on View High Drive near Longview Lake. Criniere was a middle school math teacher for the Grandview School District. He was also a Deacon at Grace Point Baptist Church and a loving husband to Megan Criniere who is currently homeschooling 9 of their 10 children. All of the money raised through the ride will benefit Charlie’s family.
A GoFundMe page has so far raised $200,000 for the family.
Driver found
The driver involved in the hit and run accident has been identified. Kyrie Fields, 27, of Oregon, Wisconsin, was arrested on allegations of driving the vehicle that killed Crinier.
Fields faces two felony accounts: Leaving The Scene of an Accident — Accident Resulting in Death and Tampering With a Motor Vehicle 1st Degree.
Fields told police she was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash. She was texting a friend, then she took her eyes off the roadway and when she looked up she struck the victim on his bicycle.
This case remains under review. Prosecutors are requesting a $100,000 bond.