Missy Hardeman was an avid cyclist having completed across the nation. She was a mentor to young children, always the one cheering at races, and just a smile when you needed one. She was killed November 23 approximately 5:32 p.m. due to a hit-and-run. She was care-flighted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas where she was pronounced dead.

Driver Kristen Ramos was not charged due to “loss of vision” by the sun glare, yet there is no law that excuses liability due to sun glare. Everyone who shares the road assumes responsibility, no matter the weather conditions.

The driver did attend Hardeman’s funeral and that speaks volume of her character as they are assuming the best in her.

Christie Harrison Tracy, one of Missy’s fellow friends stated “Friends of mine not from TX may not know that a friend & competitor of mine, Missy Hardeman, was tragically hit & killed by the driver of a truck along one of her regular training routes last week. I’m still struggling to come to terms with it as it just hits way too close to home & feels surreal…Missy had just won the TX State SS CX championship a few days prior. How could someone so full of life just be snatched away? Poof. Gone. Tears flow freely in her memory, and also knowing the pain that her family & those closer to her must be feeling. To my non-cycling friends, family, & acquaintances: Increase efforts to be aware of your surroundings when driving. Please humanize cyclists that you come across in your daily travels. They are not inanimate objects placed to obstruct your path or delay you. They are daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and friends who are loved. Treat them as you would YOUR best friend or a member of your family. Give them space (AT LEAST 3 ft when passing), slow down a moment until you are certain you can safely pass. Don’t text while behind the wheel. Just DON’T! NOTHING is so important that it’s with the momentary distraction that could cost someone their life. Share this with your friends. Hug your friends & loved ones. Tell them how much they mean to you & the positive impact they have had on your life. Now. Life is just too short.”

District attorney R. Lowell Thompson stated “It is still under investigation, but they believe it was not intentional. It was just a terrible accident.”

The cycling community came out to honor one of its own Wednesday morning with a memorial ride from Hubbard to the site of a crash which left Missy Hardeman, 34, dead the day before Thanksgiving. A white bicycle or “ghost bike” was placed at the site of the accident in her memory.

The cycling community, her town, her family and more will have a huge hole that will never be forgotten.