77-year-old cyclist killed in crash near Poulsbo

POULSBO, Wash. - A longtime volunteer for the Kitsap Fire Department is dead following a bicycle accident on state Route 308 near Poulsbo.

Washington State Patrol says Lt. Joseph Vlach was struck at the intersection of state Route 308 and the exit ramp of state Route 3.

Initial reports suggest Vlach, 77, didn't stop at a stop sign at the end of the ramp.

Vlach was rushed to Harborview Medical Center where he died. Officials say Vlach was wearing a bike helmet.

Both eastbound lanes of state Route 308 were blocked from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

This crash is still under investigation.

The Kitsap Fire Department has released this statement about Vlach:

We are saddened to say that Lt. Joe Vlach a longtime volunteer of 33 years has passed away as the result of a bicycle accident yesterday. We are all in a state of disbelief that we have lost this man, a great member of the department, grandfather, dad and loving husband. He was a loved member of the community and a careless giver of his time to others, he has touched many members of the community and will be missed.