'Kevin had a grin that just went from ear to ear'

'Kevin had a grin that just went from ear to ear'

Kevin Pavlis

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By KBCI Staff, Kiersten Throndsen

BOISE - A bicyclist, who was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a collision with a small SUV on Thursday night, passed away earlier Friday morning.

Boise Police say the accident happened in Boise at the intersection on Hill Road and Smith Avenue around 8 p.m. Thursday evening.

Investigators say the 16-year-old driver from Boise made a turn directly into the path of the cyclist, 37-year-old Kevin Pavlis.

Officers say Pavlis was riding with a group of cyclists at the time of the incident and was wearing a helmet. At this time, no charges have been filed but the case remains under investigation.

Pavlis is a well known cyclist and outdoor enthusiast in the Treasure Valley. He worked at Idaho Mountain Touring for more than ten years.

"Kevin was wearing his helmet. It doesn't make you bullet proof. a 150 pound cyclist is no match for a five thousand pound car. It doesn't matter what you're wearing you are always going to loose," said Chris Haunold, owner of Idaho Mountain Touring.

Pavlis was a member of the Lactic Acid Cycling Club. He was on a ride with the club the night of the collision.

"To see your good friend basically explode against the car that hit him and then to try so hard to save his life and just to realize you know you can't," said Lynn Johnston, a fellow member of the club and friend of Pavlis.

On Friday flowers and balloons were placed at the site where the collision happened.

"This is a very tragic collision for everyone involved," said Lt. Bryan Hagler of the Boise Police Patrol Division and Watch Commander on duty at the time of the incident.

"I wish there was a magic piece of advice to give to prevent these tragedies. We have to share the roadway and we have to watch out for each other."

Johnston says something needs to change in the community and everyone needs to work together to keep another accident from happening again.

"It's just so needless," she said.

A fund is being established for the Pavlis family. He leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter and wife. If you would like to donate to the fund or find out more information you can call Idaho Mountain Touring at #336-3854.

Two other local cyclists have died within the past month. Jim Lee Chu of Eagle and Thomas D. Bettger of Boise died May 21 after being struck by automobiles.

Police say all three collisions are still under investigation.

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