Pocono News Section

Teen Bicyclist Killed in Monroe County

Teen Bicyclist Killed in Monroe County - Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 5:00PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 @05:00pm EST
ELDRED TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - For the second time in two weeks a Monroe County Teenager has been killed on the road.

Last time it was a teen walking to the bus stop. This time a teen was killed biking home from a friends house.

Corey Barber of Polk Township is grieving tonight. He lost his best friend. Tim Sullivan died Monday night. He was sixteen. Tim spent Monday afternoon at Corey's house.

Corey's grandmother Nina told WBRE News Tim was sort of a big Brother to Corey. "He just took to your heart when you met him," she said.

Tim started to bike home on Silver Springs Boulevard in Eldred Township around nine. Nina said she gave her usual words of caution, "Be careful going down that road on that bike." she said. "It's dark out and they can't see and he said, 'I'll be careful.'"

But with icy snow packed all along the shoulder, Tim had to ride in the road. Police say he was wearing dark clothes, had no reflectors on the back of his bike and was not wearing a helmet. All of that opened the door for tragedy to walk in.

Sullivan made it less than a mile before 29 year old Leroy Miller of Kunkletown ran into him.

WBRE spoke with Miller. He was emotional as he said he was sorry. He said he was not speeding and he just didn't see Tim biking down the road.

"I wouldn't want to be in his shoes, I really wouldn't want to be in his shoes. It's a hard thing," sympathized Nina.

It's also a hard thing for Corey. He was on the verge of tears as he said, "It hurts that he's gone and everything."

Corey said Tim was fun and helpful. Just hours before he died, Tim helped chop ice out of the driveway.

Nina said, "I'm glad I knew him. I'm glad I got to know him. I really am glad that I got to know him."

Police will not file charges against Miller.

Tim Sullivan's family is not sure how they will pay for the funeral. There is a fund to help. Make checks payable to:
"David Mulligan for Timmy Sullivan's Memorial Fund."
RR 2 Box 52 E
Kunkletown PA 18058