Starykowicz Did Prison Time Following Collision At Abu Dhabi Triathlon
- By Paul Moore
- Published June 22, 2012
- Updated June 22, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Back in March we reported on the sad news that a British volunteer, Carly Williams, was in a critical condition after colliding with Andrew Starykowicz at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
At the time, Starykowicz was un-contactable (his blog was also taken down), but in a recent blog post he revealed why. Starykowicz spent a period of time in prison in Abu Dhabi for a hit and run before buying his freedom and returning to the States for medical treatment.
“Late into Abu Dhabi Triathlon I had built a sizable lead when an aid station volunteer darted across the road in front of me to collect bottles,” Starykowicz wrote on his blog. “We made heavy contact that sent both of us to the hospital. I attempted to finish, but had to withdraw from the race holding a commanding lead in T2.
“The next day I was brought to the police station for questioning and thrown in prison for the ‘hit and run’ incident during the race. Over the next month I would go in front of the prosecutor several times trying to get out of the Emirates and each time he would request something different. During this time I was unable to get adequate medical attention to fix my injuries. Finally, a ‘deal’ was made that if I posted a substantial amount of money for a blood money bond I could get my passport and leave the country. I took out a loan, had the money wired over to Abu Dhabi, and was on the next plane home.”
He also writes that the injuries he sustained during the accident were not treated during his time in Abu Dhabi.
“Since returning home I learned that I had a broken collar bone, serious nerve damage and pushed the head of my right humerus through the labrum which required surgery,” he said.
Starykowicz claims that the bond money he paid has yet to be returned.
“The prosecutor claimed that he would release the blood money bond when the volunteer left the hospital,” he wrote. “Yet, the prosecutor continues to change the process and has refused to release my bond.”
We have unsuccessfully tried to find out Carly Williams’ condition following the collision, and we will bring you more news about Starykowicz when we get it.
FILED UNDER: News TAGS: Abu-Dhabi-International-Triathlon / accident / ADIT / Andrew-Starykowicz / Carly Williams / hit and run / prison / Pro
Paul Moore
Paul Moore is the Online Editor for Triathlete Europe. When not glued to a computer he can be found writing books - most recently The World's Toughest Endurance Challenges which you can buy on Amazon. Paul has also written Ultimate Triathlon: A complete training guide for long-distance triathletes which is also available on Amazon.
