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SOUTH SALT LAKE — An avid bicyclist who police say was hit by a drunk driver a week ago died as a result of his injuries Wednesday.
Mitchell L. Bennett, 50, was riding his bike on 900 West near 3160 South late at night on Sept. 25 when a Saturn vehicle hit him from behind. Bennett hit the windshield and suffered severe head, neck and back injuries. He was listed in "grave" condition since being taken to the hospital.
The driver, Peter Vance Wilcox, 36, of Syracuse, had a blood-alcohol content of 0.228, or nearly three times the legal limit, according to police.
Bennett's family said he was an avid cyclist and bike builder.
"He has been racing BMX since he was a child, won many, many trophies, competed nationally. He's been doing bike stunts since before the X Games existed," family members said in a statement.
Bennett is survived by a three sons, a grandson, granddaughter, mother, father, three siblings and "numerous family and friends that love him," the family said.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office is expected to review the case for potential criminal charges.
Court records show Wilcox was convicted twice in the late 1990s of misdemeanor charges of being a minor in possession of alcohol.
