Jeannette Kay Young Remembered After Fatal Bicycle Collision on Research Parkway in Temple, Texas: Community Grieves as Investigation Focuses on Possible Missed Stop Sign

TEMPLE, TEXAS — June 4, 2025

Jeannette Kay Young, a beloved member of the Temple community known for her unwavering generosity and kindness, has died following a tragic bicycle accident that occurred Sunday afternoon on Research Parkway. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals and three days of intensive care, Young succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday morning, surrounded by family and loved ones.

The 62-year-old Temple resident was struck by a motor vehicle while cycling through a residential intersection near Research Parkway and North Kegley Road. The collision left her with multiple traumatic injuries, including severe head trauma and internal bleeding. Emergency responders transported her to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, where she was listed in critical condition until her passing on June 4.

As the community reels from the unexpected loss, Temple Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Preliminary findings indicate that the driver involved was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and was traveling within the posted speed limit. Authorities have not filed charges and currently describe the crash as a “tragic collision without clear signs of criminal negligence.”

The Crash: A Life Altered in a Moment

According to the official report from the Temple Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Witnesses told police that Young was riding her bicycle northbound on a residential street approaching the intersection with Research Parkway. The driver of a mid-sized SUV was traveling eastbound on Research Parkway when the collision occurred.

Evidence gathered at the scene, including tire marks, surveillance footage from nearby residences, and the vehicle’s onboard data recorder, show the driver began braking immediately before the point of impact but was unable to stop in time. There were no signs of reckless driving, speeding, or distraction. The vehicle’s speed at the moment of impact was estimated to be within the legal range, likely between 30 and 35 mph.

Detectives are now examining whether Young may have missed or misjudged a posted stop sign, failing to yield the right of way as she entered the intersection. The stop sign was clearly visible, though wind-blown debris or sun glare could have contributed to the oversight. Investigators have not reached a conclusion, and no citations have been issued.

“It’s a tragic accident, plain and simple,” said Temple Police Sgt. Mark Villareal. “We are continuing to analyze all available data, but so far, there is no evidence of criminal intent or gross negligence on the part of the driver. That said, we owe it to Ms. Young and her family to leave no question unanswered.”

Jeannette Kay Young: A Life of Service and Kindness

Born and raised in Texas, Jeannette Kay Young was known throughout Bell County as a pillar of her community. She spent more than two decades working as a nurse at Scott & White, where colleagues remember her as a tireless advocate for patients and a mentor to countless young nurses.

Outside of her professional life, Young was deeply involved in volunteer efforts. She organized local food drives, served meals at the Helping Hands Soup Kitchen, and was an active member of Temple’s Bicycle Advocacy Coalition. She frequently used her own time and money to refurbish used bicycles for donation to local children and refugees.

“She was the heart and soul of this neighborhood,” said longtime friend and neighbor Helen Croft. “You couldn’t walk past her porch without being offered a glass of tea or an uplifting word. She was the kind of person who made everyone around her feel seen and valued.”

Her bicycle was a common sight in Temple—she preferred to ride to work, to the farmer’s market, and to her volunteer engagements. For Young, cycling was not just a mode of transportation but a way to connect with the world, to slow down, to live intentionally.

A Grieving Community Rallies

In the days following the crash, a growing number of neighbors, co-workers, and local leaders have left flowers, handwritten notes, and candles at the intersection where Young was struck. A white “ghost bike” has been placed there—a somber memorial often used to mark the location of fatal bike accidents.

Temple Mayor Tim Davis issued a formal statement recognizing Young’s contributions to the city:

“Jeannette Kay Young embodied the spirit of compassion and civic duty. Her passing is not just a personal loss to her family and friends but to all of Temple. She lived a life that mattered, and we are a better city for having known her.”

Plans are currently underway for a public memorial and celebration of life, to be held at Miller Park on June 9. Organizers are encouraging attendees to arrive by bicycle in honor of Young’s passion for cycling and her commitment to sustainability and wellness.

Safety Questions Linger

While investigators continue their work, the tragedy has reignited debate about bicycle safety in Temple, a city where cyclists often share roadways with fast-moving vehicular traffic. Research Parkway, though popular among recreational cyclists, has limited bike lane infrastructure and few protective barriers.

Temple’s Bicycle Advocacy Coalition is now calling on the City Council to prioritize cycling safety in upcoming urban development plans, including:

• Expanding designated bike lanes along major corridors
• Improving signage and traffic calming at known high-risk intersections
• Increasing public education campaigns for both drivers and cyclists

“We can’t bring Jeannette back,” said Coalition Chair Andre Martinez. “But we can honor her by ensuring no other family suffers the same loss. A city that encourages cycling must also protect its cyclists.”

The city has responded by pledging to review its infrastructure policies and fast-track an upcoming road safety audit originally scheduled for the fall.

Driver Cooperation and Emotional Toll

The driver involved in the collision has not been publicly identified. Sources close to the investigation say the driver remained on the scene, called 911 immediately, and cooperated fully with authorities. He has reportedly expressed deep remorse and is receiving support for emotional trauma.

“This kind of event affects more than just the victim’s family,” said trauma counselor Dr. Lillian Greaves. “Drivers involved in fatal collisions—even when no fault is found—often experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It’s important that we remember the human cost on all sides.”

Looking Forward

As Temple continues to process this painful loss, the legacy of Jeannette Kay Young endures. Her years of service, friendship, and activism leave an indelible imprint on everyone she touched. Her death is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to protect all who share our roads.

Her family, in a statement released through a local attorney, said:

“Jeannette was a force for good in this world. She gave more than she took, and she loved without conditions. Our hearts are broken, but we are comforted by the overwhelming love and support we’ve received. Thank you for remembering her not just for how she died, but for how she lived.”

In Summary:

• Victim: Jeannette Kay Young, 62, longtime nurse and community volunteer
• Date of Incident: Sunday, June 1, 2025
• Location: Research Parkway & North Kegley Road, Temple, TX
• Nature of Incident: Bicycle and vehicle collision
• Medical Outcome: Young died of injuries on Wednesday, June 4
• Investigation Status: Ongoing; driver not found at fault
• Community Response: Vigils, memorial bike rides, calls for improved bike safety infrastructure
• Memorial Service: Scheduled for June 9 at Miller Park

As the sun sets on a life lived with meaning and purpose, the city of Temple holds its breath, hoping that out of this sorrow will come change—and that Jeannette Kay Young’s legacy will inspire a safer, more compassionate world for everyone.