This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The bicyclist killed over the weekend in a crash with a minivan in Sandy was a well-known Utah competitive road racer.
Craig Buchi, 58, of Murray, was riding southbound on 700 East at 8:11 p.m. Sunday when the minivan made a left turn in front of him at 8275 South, according to Sandy police Sgt. Jon Arnold.
Buchi crashed into the rear passenger side of the van and died from his extensive injuries a short time later at Alta View Hospital.
The accident remained under investigation Monday to determine whether the driver of the minivan will be charged in the accident.
Arnold said that Buchi was wearing spandex cycling clothing and a helmet at the time of the crash, but road conditions at the time were dark. It was not yet known if Buchi's bicycle was equipped with lights or, if so, whether they were working.
The case will be screened by the Salt Lake County District Attorney's office.
Carly Johnson, who is engaged to Buchi's son, Teal, said Monday that Buchi got into cycling about seven years ago. He and Teal often rode together.
Buchi originally began cycling to lose weight, Johnson said, but after succeeding with that goal, continued riding because he loved it. Buchi rode nearly every day, usually tracing the same route on his Specialized bike, which was equipped with saddle bags and a tool kit.
Buchi also was part of the FFKR Architects Velosport Racing team, which last competed in the April 25, 2013 Criterium Emigration Hill Climb.
Team manager Travis Horton said Buchi sponsored the team through his Salt Lake City auto repair business, Craig's Service Center. Buchi was an avid cyclist, Horton said, and actively supported the team's youth cycling program.
"He was a very nice guy, always willing to help out with the team," Horton said.
Buchi also owned Craig's Service Center, which has been in his family since 1955, according to family members.
"Everyone that knew him loved him," Johnson added. "He was a great guy."