Ryan Holyk, teen bicyclist hit by officer, dies in hospital

The 15-year-old cyclist struck by a Spokane Valley police officer died Wednesday at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, the hospital confirmed.

Ryan Holyk was attempting to cross Sprague Avenue at Vista Road on a BMX-style bicycle around 10:30 p.m. on May 23 when he was struck by the patrol car driven by Deputy Joseph Bodman, a former Post Falls city councilman.

Police say Bodman was westbound and had a green light on Sprague at Vista when Holyk was struck. Bodman was responding at the time to back up another deputy who had stopped a suspect with a domestic violence warrant.

Holyk’s family announced on Facebook that he was removed from a ventilator Wednesday after suffering a stroke on Saturday night. His mother thanked the community for its support and Sacred Heart’s staff for “phenomenal” care.

“Everyone has been so wonderful. I could not ask for a better community,” his mom wrote on Facebook. “Although I am heartbroken, I am so very proud of him, because we decided to donate his organs, and I can have a small bit of peace knowing that someone’s family is experiencing a miracle right now.”

Witnesses have said Bodman’s emergency lights were not on at the time of the crash, which is under investigation by the Spokane Police Department under protocol that calls for other agencies to investigate critical incidents involving officers. The Spokane Valley Police Department is a branch of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials have not said how fast Bodman was traveling at the time.