An e-mail sent by Robert Deschenes, associate dean of research in the College of Medicine, alerted University spokesman Michael Hoad that USF researcher and postdoctoral student Kayoko Ishizuka, was killed in a hit-and-run Saturday morning.
According to Tampa Bay Online, Ishizuka was riding her bicycle on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in the bike lane by University Square Drive when she was hit by a “dark red Ford Explorer with right front- end damage.” Ishizuka died later that morning.
The article stated that the vehicle has been found but the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for the driver.
“Although emergency crews arrived quickly, she could not be resuscitated,” the e-mail, which was sent to Hoad Sunday night, stated. “An experienced bicyclist, Kay was traveling in the bicycle lane, wearing a helmet, and had flashing warning light on her bike. Unfortunately, the driver of the SUV fled the scene after striking her.”
Ishizuka was a Japan native who worked at USF on an interim post-doctoral fellowship.
In the e-mail, Deschenes said he would inform the public of a future funeral or memorial service.
– Staff Report
