Authorities in Omaha have released the name of the bicyclist who passed away after a traffic incident earlier in the week. The Omaha Police Department confirmed that the individual was 48-year-old Charles Holmes, a local resident. His death followed a collision involving a vehicle and a bicycle in a neighborhood south of the city’s downtown area.
According to information shared by police, the incident occurred Tuesday evening shortly before 7 p.m. near the intersection of 32nd Avenue and Hickory Street. Officers who responded to the scene began gathering information to understand how the collision unfolded. Their early findings indicate that both Holmes and the driver involved were traveling in the same direction on 32nd Avenue, heading south at the time of the crash.
Police said Holmes had been riding his bicycle along the roadway when a Chevy Tahoe, also moving southbound, made contact with him near Hickory Street. Emergency medical personnel arrived quickly and provided care before transporting Holmes to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Investigators noted that based on witness accounts and initial assessments, the vehicle involved was not traveling at a high speed when the collision occurred. At this stage of the investigation, authorities also stated that there is no indication that alcohol or drugs played any role in the incident. The driver of the Tahoe stayed at the scene, cooperated with police, and provided information needed for the investigation.
As officers continue their work, they are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash, including visibility, roadway conditions, and positioning of both the vehicle and the bicycle. Police added that Holmes was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, which is a detail investigators often consider when reviewing bicycle-related incidents. Officials did not suggest this was a cause of the collision, but noted it as a general safety observation.
The area where the incident occurred is a residential part of Omaha with a mix of vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Incidents of this nature often prompt conversations about roadway safety, driver awareness, and protective gear use among cyclists. Authorities typically remind both drivers and cyclists to remain alert, follow traffic signals, and maintain safe speeds—especially in neighborhoods where streets may be narrow or visibility may change with weather or lighting conditions.
The Omaha Police Department has emphasized that the investigation remains open. Officers will continue reviewing statements, gathering any additional footage from nearby homes or vehicles, and analyzing all physical evidence to determine the full sequence of events. In many cases involving bicyclists, investigators look closely at factors such as the position of the cyclist on the roadway, the movement of the vehicle, lighting conditions, and any potential obstructions that could have affected visibility.
Community members have expressed sympathy for Holmes’ family as they process the news of his passing. Fatal incidents involving cyclists often encourage renewed discussions around shared road safety, with local organizations and residents sometimes advocating for improved signage, designated bike lanes, or educational outreach about safe bicycling practices.
Police may release further updates when more information becomes available, but for now, they are focusing on completing a detailed and accurate report. The cooperative actions of the driver and witnesses are expected to help move the investigation forward. As the city reflects on the incident, authorities continue to encourage both cyclists and motorists to take extra care on the roads to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
