USA (MNN) — Forrest Flaniken Jr., a senior vice president with Wycliffe Bible Translators, was killed Sunday while riding his bicycle. Flaniken is survived by his wife, Kristen, three sons and a daughter-in-law.
"The entire Wycliffe family is devastated by this tragic accident," said President Bob Creson in a Wycliffe USA press release. "Forrest was a great champion for Wycliffe and a tireless advocate for the millions of people around the world who await God's Word in their heart language.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Forrest's beloved wife, Kristen; their sons, Chipper, Nelson and Spencer; and their daughter-in-law, Kristen. We pray that they would feel God's peace and comfort during this difficult time."
According to a police report, a car driven by 18-year-old Anthony Michael Moffa was headed southbound on Sunday afternoon. Flaniken was traveling south in the bike lane when Moffa failed to control his vehicle and struck the rear of Flaniken's bike. The reports said at this point Flaniken was ejected from his bike and killed, while Moffa struck a nearby tree.
Moffa tried to flee the scene, but bystanders kept him there until police could arrive, the report continued. He was later arrested on a charge of DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of a crash. The manslaughter charge was filed because Moffa was thought to be under the influence of drugs.
Flaniken was only 53 and actively served in his local church, along with coaching little league baseball. Ask God to comfort his family during this time of unexpected loss.
