Bicyclist dies after being hit along Rt. 11

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - A Fincastle bicyclist was killed when she was hit in traffic Friday afternoon along Route 11 in Botetourt County.

According to Virginia State Police, the driver of a 2014 Dodge Journey hit Tabitha Leigh Thompson, 39, as both were traveling south down Lee Highway, one quarter of a mile from Darby Road.

Thompson was taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where she died.

Danielle M. Rock was driving the Dodge and is charged with reckless driving. She was not injured.

Thompson was a registered nurse at Carilion Children’s, whose senior director, Alicia McAllister-Daniels, released this statement:

It is impossible to put into words what an impact Tabitha Thompson had on those around her. She was dedicated and passionate about her work. She worked on the Carilion Children’s team as an RN for the NICU, Neonatal-Pediatric Transport Team, School Health Team and most recently as an NP in the NICU after finishing her graduate degree.

Tabitha was a fierce advocate for those who needed a voice – with babies and children at work and with animals of all kinds outside of work. Having Tabitha in our community has been a blessing to all who knew her. Her energy, compassion and commitment to our smallest patients were unmatched. She will be deeply missed by our Carilion team, and our thoughts are with Tabitha’s husband and family. They appreciate everyone’s concern and ask for privacy during this difficult time.