Cyclist killed during Ride the Rideau event identified

Emergency services attend the scene of a crash where say a 40-year-old woman is dead after being hit by a dump truck while riding her bike near River Road and Doyle Road in Manotick on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014.

The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre has identified the 40-year-old cyclist killed in Manotick yesterday as Laurie Strano.

According to a LinkedIn profile, Strano was the director of quality, patient safety and risk management with The Royal.

President and CEO George Weber issued the following statement:

We are devastated by the news. This is a horrific tragedy and a loss to everyone. Laurie was a wonderful, bright and dedicated member of our family at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. We ask that the media respect the privacy of the family during this most difficult time.

Strano died while participating in the Ride the Rideau cycling event in support of cancer research after being hit by a garbage truck. It happened on River Road near Doyle Road Saturday morning.

Police are investigating.

The Ottawa Hospital released the following statement:

On behalf of the family of Laurie Strano, we are deeply saddened by her sudden and tragic death yesterday. Laurie was a strong, intelligent, energetic and beautiful person who will be deeply missed by the family, friends and co-workers who loved her so much. Thank you for respecting our privacy at this very difficult time.