In Loving Memory of Roger Bone: Remembering a Kind Soul Lost in a Tragic Columbia Bicycle Accident
The Columbia community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 56-year-old Roger Bone of Jefferson City, who was tragically killed Monday afternoon while riding his bicycle through a busy intersection in Columbia. According to the Columbia Police Department, the fatal crash occurred just after 2 p.m. at the intersection of Rangeline Street and Business Loop 70 — a place now marked by sorrow and reflection.
Police say Roger was struck by a dump truck while crossing the intersection. Despite immediate efforts from emergency responders to save his life, Roger succumbed to his injuries at the scene before he could be taken to the hospital. The driver of the dump truck, who has not yet been publicly identified, was unharmed in the collision. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the cause of the crash to determine exactly what went wrong in those tragic moments.
Roger’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through both Jefferson City and Columbia, where friends, loved ones, and community members are grieving the loss of a man remembered for his humility, warmth, and quiet strength. Those who knew him describe Roger as someone who loved the outdoors, who found peace in simple moments, and who treated everyone he met with kindness and respect.
His death is made even more poignant by the location of the tragedy — The Loop, a community improvement district that has been working to transform a once-neglected corridor into a safer, more vibrant, and welcoming area. According to The Loop’s most recent annual report, the district’s mission is to promote accessibility, safety, and community growth. Monday’s accident underscores the critical importance of that mission and the ongoing need for safer infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians across the city.
Residents of Columbia and Jefferson City have expressed grief and frustration online, calling for increased awareness of cyclists’ safety and improved protections for those who share the road with larger vehicles. Many have said that Roger’s death should serve as a call to action — a reminder that every life matters and that safety must remain a priority on streets that are meant for everyone.
Friends and family members are remembering Roger as a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and lived sincerely. His laughter, his dedication to those he cared about, and his gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
As investigators continue to piece together the events that led to this devastating crash, the Columbia Police Department has asked anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
Roger Bone’s life, though tragically cut short, will not be forgotten. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him — in the quiet roads he once biked, in the friends he uplifted, and in the ongoing efforts of a community determined to make its streets safer in his honor.
Rest in peace, Roger. Your journey may have ended, but your spirit rides on forever.
