The Winchester community is mourning the tragic death of 48-year-old John McQueen, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident on Rockwell Road on November 17. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that McQueen lost his life after being struck from behind by a vehicle while riding his bicycle eastbound along the roadway. The devastating incident has shaken residents and raised renewed concerns about roadway safety for cyclists.
According to investigators, McQueen was traveling along Rockwell Road when a vehicle approached from behind and hit him, causing a violent collision that left him critically injured. Authorities stated that the driver briefly stopped after the impact but chose to flee the scene without offering assistance or calling for help. This act, officials said, prevented McQueen from receiving immediate medical attention that may have made a difference in the outcome.
Moments later, passing motorists noticed a bicycle lying near the roadside and possibly a person nearby. When deputies arrived, they discovered McQueen’s bicycle with its headlight still shining in a ditch. A short distance away, they found McQueen himself in the same ditch, unresponsive. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, the Clark County Coroner pronounced him deceased at the scene, marking a heartbreaking conclusion to an avoidable tragedy.
The Sheriff’s Office quickly launched an intensive search for the driver who fled the scene. Their investigation led them to identify 54-year-old Joseph Shrader as the suspected motorist involved in the hit-and-run. On November 18—one day after the fatal incident—deputies located Shrader at his residence, where he was taken into custody without reported incident. His arrest provided a significant breakthrough in the case, bringing some relief to a community left reeling by McQueen’s sudden death.
Authorities confirmed that Shrader is now facing multiple charges, including operating a vehicle without a license, no or expired registration, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death or serious physical injury. The most serious of these charges reflects the gravity of fleeing after a deadly collision, a decision that authorities emphasized significantly worsened the outcome. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues and evidence is reviewed.
As the case moves forward, residents of Winchester are expressing grief over the loss of John McQueen, a cyclist whose life was cut short in a senseless act of negligence and disregard. Community members and local officials have extended condolences to his loved ones, who must now navigate profound sorrow while awaiting justice. Investigators are encouraging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward, stressing that public cooperation is vital in ensuring accountability and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
