PORT TOWNSEND — A Port Townsend bicyclist who was struck by a car last week and later died from his injuries has been identified as artist Marcus (Mark) Henthorn.
The 75-year-old was riding his bicycle in the bike lane on 19th Street at Landes Street last Wednesday afternoon with another rider when he was hit by a maroon Hyundai Sonata driven by Patrick Cleon McConnell, 63, of Port Townsend, according to Port Townsend police.
Henthorn is a popular local landscape artist who is represented by the Port Townsend Gallery, as well as Main Street Gallery in Glenwood Springs, Colo., and Fine Art America.
He is one of 35 artists recently juried into the 2018 Northwind Arts Center Artist Showcase, the first exhibition debuting just last month.
Police say both Henthorn and McConnell were traveling eastbound on 19th Street when McConnell failed to yield to Hawthorn as he made a right turn onto Landes Street.
McConnell crossed the bicycle lane as he turned in front of Henthorn. Henthorn struck McConnell’s vehicle after not being able to stop in time and suffered life threatening injuries. He was wearing a safety helmet.
Port Townsend police arrived on the scene to find a civilian performing CPR on Henthorn. Arriving East Jefferson Fire-Rescue units assumed CPR and regained a pulse about 10 minutes later.
Once stabilized, Henthorn was flown to Harborview Medical Center. He died the following day at the Seattle hospital.
According to Port Townsend police, McConnell reported seeing the second cyclist in the rear-view mirror before turning, but did not notice the first bicyclist.
State Patrol was called to assist Port Townsend Police Officer Mark Dumond due to the life-threatening injuries sustained by Henthorn.
According to law enforcement, Trooper Alisha Gruszewski performed voluntary, standard field sobriety tests on McConnell and found probable cause to arrest him for investigation of driving under the influence and vehicular assault. He was booked and transported to Jefferson County Jail.
Port Townsend Prosecuting Attorney Chris Ashcraft said Monday the charges were dismissed pending results from blood samples taken and entered into evidence and McConnell has been released.
“Because this is a felony case, the state prosecutor is waiting for toxicology results, which could take between 90 and 120 days, before filing any charges,” said Ashcraft.
According to Port Townsend police, the wreck investigation is ongoing.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
