Well, July has been a hot one, storms to the north, brought this weather information, which is sad.
DES MOINES, Iowa – Strong storms overnight may have resulted in the death of a person during The Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, also known as RAGBRAI.
Michael Thomas Burke, 27, was camping with two friends when a thunderstorm hit the area at about 1 a.m. and a tree branch fell on Burke’s tent, according to a news release from police.
Police said Burke died instantly.
The O’Brien County Medical Examiner pronounced Burke dead at the scene, the release said. His friends were uninjured.
At about 12:30 a.m. Monday, storms passed through both Sioux and O’Brien counties. Downed trees, twisted swingsets and an overturned camper were reported in the area.
Many of the bikers were evacuated to the school facilities in the main campground area during the storms, according to a news release from Sheldon city officials. Bikers were allowed to return to their campsites after the storms passed.
According to The Des Moines Register, Burke was an unregistered participant in the annual event. RAGBRAI began Sunday and is expected to end Saturday after about 520 miles.
Bikers headed out to Estherville Monday morning.