Family Of Cyclist Killed On Rickenbacker Reacts To Suspect's Guilty Plea
MIAMI (CBS4) - The family of a bicyclist who was killed on the Rickenbacker Causeway three years ago is remembering their loved one just days after the man suspected of killing him in the hit and run crash pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter.
Paul Le Canne said he remembers his son Christophe Le Canne every moment.
"Every second of every day," said Paul.
It was January 17 of 2010 when 44 year old Christophe, an avid cyclist, was killed during a Sunday morning ride along the Rickenbacker causeway. He left behind a wife and young daughter.
Earlier this week his family flew from France to Florida to face Carlos Bertonatti. A South Florida musician who was drunk that morning, crashed into Christophe, and tried to run from police. Tuesday, Bertonatti pleaded guilty to DUI Manslaughter and apologized in court.
But Paul Le Canne told us today "I can't excuse Bertonatti in any way. No hate but will never forgive him."
"He (Bertonatti) said this was a tragic accident. I don't agree with that at all. He took several irresponsible decisions that day," said Christophe's brother Nicolas Le Canne.
Christophe's death is not in vain. A CBS 4 News Investigation after the accident revealed Le Canne died waiting for help. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue took almost 20 minutes to arrive because the fire station down the road was closed because of budget cuts. Now, that rescue station is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The bicycle lanes have been widened.
"We are very glad for that, for what has been done," Christophe's father said.
A judge is expected to sentence Carlos Bertonatti in early May. He faces a maximum of 37 years in prison.
