Prosecutors have filed multiple citations against and Ipswich woman accused of being distracted by her smartphone when she struck a trio of bicyclists last month, injuring two and killing one.
Forty-three-year-old Ryane Linehan recently was cited with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, as well as alleged violations of marked lanes rules and restrictions regarding the use of electronic devices, local authorities said.
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Linehan is set to appear in Ipswich District Court next month. A magistrate will consider whether criminal charges should be filed as a result of the incident, according to prosecutors. If that is the case, Linehan will need to seek representation from a car injury attorney.
Linehan reportedly was driving on Topsfield Road at about 2 p.m. March 26 when she crashed into three bicyclists, later identified as George Norris, 58, his wife, Amy, 60, and son Jack, 19. Linehan allegedly was using her phone just before the incident, authorities said.
All three bicyclists were hospitalized due to serious injuries. George Norris was pronounced dead the day after the crash, according to authorities.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether Linehan already has retained the services of a car injury lawyer. Her hearing in May likely will be closed to the public.
A GoFundMe page was set up to benefit George Norris’ survivors shortly after the incident. Nearly three weeks later, donations still are coming in, with the total raised now at more than $135,000.
“George was a humble, generous and caring man who assisted whenever a need arose, never seeking recognition,” organizers wrote in the introductory campaign post.
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