Cyclist dies in hospital following A78 road crash

AN accomplished cyclist who suffered serious head injuries in a collision with a van has died in hospital.

Mr O'Hara, 68, from Prestwick, had been in critical condition after being struck on Thursday morning when he was on his bike. Picture: PA

Grandfather George O’Hara, 68, from Prestwick, had been in critical condition after being struck on the A78 at Irvine, North Ayrshire, on Thursday morning when he was on his bike.

He died at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow the following day, police confirmed.

Mr O’Hara’s grieving family today said he was a published author who was well-respected within cycling circles.

Paying tribute to him, his relatives said in a statement: “George, a much loved husband, dad and granddad, will be sorely missed by his devastated family.

“George was a recognised published author and an accomplished cyclist.

“He enjoyed racing and riding his bike for over 50 years and achieved many race victories, some at national level.

“He is admired in the cycling community for holding the record for cycling from Glasgow to Oban and back in under nine hours, which stood for over 18 years.”

The crash happened on the northbound side of the road between the Warrix interchange and the Eglinton interchange at around 9.40am.

The 40-year-old male driver of the silver Vauxhall Movano van and his 37-year-old male passenger were not injured in the crash, which happened at a busy time on the road.

A number of cars stopped to help or slowed down at the time.

Sergeant Andy Johnston, of the divisional road policing unit at Irvine, is leading the investigation and has asked anyone who witnessed the crash to contact officers via the 101 number.