Tragedy struck the cycling community on Thursday when Dory Selinger, a 54-year-old decorated Paralympian cyclist, was killed in a crash at the intersection of Alma Drive and State Highway 121 in McKinney, Texas. McKinney Police Department officers responded to the scene, where Selinger was pronounced deceased. Selinger was not just any cyclist — he was a gold medal winner at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta and went on to earn a silver medal and two bronze medals at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics. He also claimed gold medals at the 1998 and 2002 Para-cycling World Championships. Authorities confirmed the driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene, and the incident is not being investigated as a hit-and-run. McKinney PD has not yet released information regarding what caused the crash. Friends and family have since identified Selinger publicly and a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support his family during this difficult time.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred at the intersection of Alma Drive and State Highway 121, a heavily trafficked corridor in McKinney, Texas, located in Collin County northeast of Dallas. State Highway 121 is a major multi-lane arterial highway that sees high volumes of commuter and commercial traffic, serving as a key east-west connector across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The intersection with Alma Drive is situated in a developed area of McKinney that has experienced significant population and traffic growth in recent years. High-speed roadways like SH-121 present well-documented challenges for cyclists, as speed differentials between vehicles and bicycles increase the severity of potential collisions. Collin County's rapid suburban expansion has placed growing pressure on roadway infrastructure to accommodate both vehicular traffic and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas law, cyclists are entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators on public roadways. When a cyclist is killed in a crash involving a motor vehicle, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71. Eligible claimants typically include spouses, children, and parents of the deceased. Texas follows a modified comparative fault standard, meaning compensation may be reduced if the deceased is found to bear partial responsibility. Damages may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and loss of companionship. Texas imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury and wrongful death claims, meaning legal action generally must be initiated within two years of the date of the incident. Affected families are encouraged to consult with a licensed Texas attorney to understand their specific rights and options.

Related Resources

Emergency & Law Enforcement

• McKinney Police Department: (972) 547-2700
• Collin County Emergency Management: (972) 548-4731

Traffic Safety Resources

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety: www.txdot.gov
• McKinney Public Works & Traffic Engineering: (972) 547-7400
• TxDOT Crash Records Information System (CRIS): cris.dot.state.tx.us

Support Services for Accident Victims and Families

• Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse: www.tdcj.texas.gov/victim
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Support: 1-877-623-3435
• Texas Health and Human Services Crisis Services: 1-800-252-8154

State Laws and Regulations

• Texas Transportation Code – Bicycle Laws (Chapter 551): statutes.capitol.texas.gov
• Texas Wrongful Death Statute (Chapter 71, CPRC): statutes.capitol.texas.gov