Crime & Safety

Bicyclist Killed By Tree on C&O Canal Towpath Is Identified

Neil Reich, 56, of New York was killed Sunday by a tree limb that fell on him while he was bicycling near White's Ferry.

Neil Reich, 56, of Forest Hills, N.Y., , police reported Monday.

Two bicyclists were riding together along the canal near White's Ferry when Reich stopped to put on his raincoat as the storm approached, according to a release from the Montgomery County Police. The second rider continued on but then stopped ahead to wait for Reich.

When Reich did not arrive, the second rider went searching for him and found him pinned underneath a fallen tree. The second rider attempted lifesaving measures until Montgomery County Fire & Rescue personnel arrived, but the attempts were unsuccessful.

Find out what's happening in North Potomac-Darnestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division – Homicide/Sex Section are investigating Reich's death. An autopsy will be performed by the Medical Examiner’s office in Baltimore.

Anyone with information about this incident should call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from North Potomac-Darnestown