Roger Bone Obituary, Death – Authorities in Boone County are investigating a tragic traffic incident that occurred on Monday in Columbia, resulting in the passing of a cyclist identified as 56-year-old Roger Bone, a resident of Jefferson City. The Columbia Police Department (CPD) reported that the event took place at the busy intersection of Range Line Street and East Business Loop 70, an area known for frequent commercial traffic. Police officers and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after receiving a report of a collision involving a bicycle and a dump truck.
According to an official statement released by CPD, preliminary findings indicate that the dump truck was turning north from East Business Loop 70 onto Range Line Street when the collision occurred. Bone, who was riding his bicycle in the area, was struck during the turn. Witnesses told officers that the impact caused Bone to fall to the ground, prompting nearby drivers and pedestrians to rush to his aid before emergency services arrived.
Emergency medical personnel from the Columbia Fire Department and Boone County EMS responded quickly and immediately began performing life-saving procedures. Despite their efforts, Bone was later pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the driver of the dump truck remained on-site and cooperated fully with investigators. The driver did not sustain any injuries in the crash.
Police closed the intersection for several hours as members of the CPD Traffic Unit conducted a detailed reconstruction of the scene. Investigators carefully documented skid marks, vehicle positions, and debris to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the collision. As of now, officials have not released the name of the dump truck driver, and no citations or charges have been issued.
The Columbia Police Department emphasized that the investigation is still in progress, and all factors — including speed, visibility, and roadway conditions — are being reviewed. Officers are also checking for the presence of traffic cameras or business surveillance footage that may provide a clearer understanding of how the incident unfolded.
CPD extended condolences to Bone’s family, noting that he was a longtime resident of Jefferson City who frequently cycled as part of his daily routine. Friends described him as an active, kind individual who enjoyed outdoor recreation and spent much of his time cycling through scenic routes across central Missouri.
Authorities also took the opportunity to remind motorists to exercise heightened awareness when sharing the road with cyclists, particularly in high-traffic intersections and turning lanes. “Drivers should always check for bicyclists and pedestrians before making turns, especially in areas where visibility may be limited,” said a CPD spokesperson.
Local advocacy groups, including the Boone County Bicycle Coalition, responded to the news by calling for renewed attention to road safety measures. In a social media post, the organization expressed sympathy for Bone’s family and reiterated the importance of improving infrastructure for cyclists across the city. They suggested that adding clearer signage and expanding bike lanes on major roads could help prevent future tragedies.
Community members have also begun organizing an informal memorial ride in Bone’s honor, planned for later this week. Participants intend to gather at the site of the crash to pay their respects and promote awareness about cyclist safety.
The Columbia Police Department encourages anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist in the ongoing investigation to contact CPD at (573) 874-7652. Those who wish to remain anonymous can provide tips through CrimeStoppers at (573) 875-TIPS (8477).
Authorities reaffirmed that the case remains open, and additional details will be released as the investigation continues. For now, the community mourns the loss of a cyclist whose life was cut short on a roadway that he likely traveled many times before — a reminder of the importance of safety and shared responsibility on the road.
