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Cyclists' deaths on Helotes highway accidental, not criminal, defense lawyer says

by Christopher Heath / KENS

kens5.com

Posted on November 20, 2009 at 9:42 PM

Updated Thursday, Sep 30 at 4:01 PM

On Oct. 1, Gregory and Alexandra Bruehler were riding their tandem bicycle along Highway 16 in Helotes when Gilbert Sullaway hit them in his Ford F-150. Alexandra died at the scene, Gregory died a short time later.

According to the accident report filed through the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, Sullaway was looking out the passenger side of his truck's window when he noticed he was driving on the shoulder of the highway. Sullaway overcorrected his vehicle, pulling back out onto the highway, hitting the husband and wife by accident.

Sullaway stopped his vehicle and remained at the scene, cooperating with investigators.

While the Bexar County District Attorney's Office has yet to file any criminal charges against Sullaway, the fathers of Gregory and Alexandra Bruehler have nonetheless filed a wrongful death lawsuit against him.

The suit, filed by the relatives of the Bruehlers, alleges that Sullaway's negligence led to the accident. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for the death of the parents as well as financial support for the coupe's 7-year-old daughter.

Sullaway's lawyer, Aric Garza, filed a response to the lawsuit Friday asserting that his client was not negligent and although the incident was horrific, it still was just an accident.

Garza says his client has been deeply distressed about the accident and his prayers continue to go out to the entire Bruehler family.

Sullaway, a small-business owner, is married and has two children. He attends Our Lady of the Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes, where he is part of the Adoration, community, Theology and Service Ministry throughout San Antonio.

It is unclear when the next step in the legal process will take place. Sullaway's attorney says right now both sides are communicating and exchanging information.

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