Driver arrested in Twin Falls County hit-and-run crash that killed bicyclist

The cyclist killed Wednesday morning in a hit-and-run crash south of Kimberly was 34-year-old Twin Falls firefighter Ryan Franklin.

Police responded to the report of a vehicle versus bicycle crash at 8:50 a.m. on the rural two-lane road at 3375 E. 2900 N, Idaho State Police said.

Franklin, of Filer, was riding his bicycle west on 2900 North when he was struck by a westbound Jeep and thrown onto the side of the road, ISP said. Franklin was wearing a helmet but died at the scene.

Hollie Winnett, 32, of Hollister was driving the 2002 Jeep Liberty that struck Franklin, ISP said. Winnett left the crash scene but later returned.

Winnett has been arrested for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and felony leaving the scene of a fatality crash, according to ISP

The road was closed for three hours during the investigation.

As news of Franklin’s death spread Wednesday morning, a memorial fund for his family was created on gofundme.com.

Within about an hour, 27 people donated $2,615, more than 25-percent of the $10,000 goal.

The creator of the account said Franklin was riding his bicycle home from work.

Franklin was a married father of four who was a Twin Falls firefighter for about 2 1/2 years. During Christmas he accompanied young shoppers at Target during the retail chain’s Heroes & Helpers program.

Statesman staff contributed.

This story was originally published May 18, 2016 at 1:38 PM with the headline "Driver arrested in Twin Falls County hit-and-run crash that killed bicyclist."