Ohio man dies in bicycle crash

A 69-year-old Ohio man died after he was thrown Sunday from his bicycle on Big Mountain Road north of Whitefish.

The man was identified by the Flathead County coroner as Daniel Schoedinger, who was a resident of Columbus, Ohio, but also had a part-time home on Big Mountain.

According to witness statements, Schoedinger was riding down the Big Mountain Road near the one-mile marker when he had to brake unexpectedly because of a vehicle turning into a driveway ahead of him. 

Schoedinger was thrown from his bicycle onto the pavement, striking his head.

He was taken by Whitefish ambulance to North Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The cause of death is listed as a skull fracture. Schoedinger was wearing a helmet and was an experienced, avid bike rider. 

The accident is under investigation by the Montana Highway Patrol.