Shove Saves Cyclist, Kills Friend

With a car hurtling straight at her bicycle, Cynthia Fowler felt a last-second shove from a cycling companion that proved to be the ultimate sacrifice.

Pushed out of the path of the car, Fowler was only sideswiped and survived. Her friend, MaryAnn Kiger-Draney, 46, took the full impact and died.

“She gave me enough of a push to save my life,” said Fowler, 42, who suffered minor injuries Sunday.

Witnesses said the car was trying to change lanes when it swerved across the four-lane highway.

Fowler said her friend put a hand on her shoulder with just enough pressure to send her falling away from the car.

The driver, Joy Goodlin, 18, suffered minor injuries. She told authorities she had taken pain medicine before the accident.