Longtime bike shop owner and amateur bike racer Michael Shipp of Norfolk, Virginia USA was run over and killed 16 February in South Carolina doing what he loved, riding his bike.

Ship had just celebrated his 53rd birthday on Valentine’s Day and was traveling by auto to a week-long cycling event Florida when he stopped on a side road, put on his kit and went out for a short spin to stretch his legs.

It was his last ride.

The longtime owner of East Coast Bicycles, was killed when the driver of a 1992 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck ran Shipp over from behind on US 521 near Manning. Shipp died at the scene, with medics transporting the truck driver to hospital for injuries, according to South Carolina State Police.  

“[Michael] passed away today while doing one of the things he loved most – riding his bike,” East Coast Bicycles store manager and dear friend Kyle Lippiat posted on social media. Adding, “Anybody that has raced or bought a bike in the last 25 years, chances are they had an interaction with him…”

An active cyclocross racer, Shipp enjoyed the thrill of flying across grass, riding through dirt and mud, running up stairs and often sliding down steep embankments, most recently finishing second at the Giles Creek CX race in December.

Shipp is survived by his wife and two adult children and his death is under investigation with no charges filed as of Friday, according to South Carline State Police.

Photos: East Coast Bicycles