Activist biking across America killed by suspected drunk driver

KSDK -- A California man who was riding a bike across the U.S. to deliver a petition to lawmakers in Washington, D.C. was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver in Clinton County Sunday morning.

Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Cory Ristvedt said Jim Gafney, 65, was on his bike when he was hit from behind by a driver on Highway 50 at Diamond Spring Road around 12:40 a.m.

The driver left the scene, but then a police officer in Sandoval, Illinois stopped a driver for speeding.

The officer saw damage on the car driven by Leon Marcum, of Centralia, Illinois, and found out there had been a deadly hit and run earlier.

Prosecutors charged Marcum with aggravated DUI, leaving the scene of a crash and failure to reduce speed, according to Master Sergeant Ristvedt.

Gafney began his journey because he was fed up with government bailouts and tea parties. His goal was to ride from California to Washington, D.C. and collect signatures from people along the way. He hoped to have 500 to 1,000 people ride with him as he approached Washington, D.C. to deliver the petition to lawmakers.

Gafney's petition can be downloaded, signed, and either faxed to the number on the form, or sent to Southwest Free Press at P.O. Box 2923, in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, 81147. If you would like to support Gafney's cause contact the Southwest Free Press at 970-946-2282, 970-749-7199, or message line at 970-731-7311, or P.O. Box 2923 in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, 81147.