BENBROOK, Texas — Longtime cyclist Javier Lucio vows never to forget fellow cyclist Charles Henson, who is affectionately known as Chuck. The two are part of Fort Worth's cycling community who ride as part of staying healthy and enjoying fellowship at the same time.
"We had a lot of wonderful times with Chuck," Javier Lucio said, "and we're going to miss this one."
Lucio shared several photographs of Henson on his bike. He was the one who often motivated Henson to join them on rides even when he didn't feel up to it. On Saturday, September 7th they met at Press Cafe in Fort Worth for a group ride. On this particular ride, there were 10 bikers, so they rode in a stretch of five and side by side. Javier Lucio rode in the back of the pack.
"We were all looking forward to a beautiful day, a beautiful day on the bikes," Javier Lucio said.
Their beautiful day turned tragic as the ten cyclists rode on West Vickery Boulevard in Benbrook. The stretch of road is common for cycle groups too. There are signs informing drivers this is a bike route. But when the group got to Old Benbrook Road the beautiful day took an unexpected turn. An oncoming driver made a left turn into the path of the cyclists.
"She came across and cut off the group, and Chuck will be the only one who went down," Javier Lucio said, "but he hit the car straight on and the impact was sufficient enough to kill him instantly."
Lucio and others, including a nurse who arrived at the scene, performed CPR on Henson. Lucio noticed that emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes of the accident. The driver of the vehicle who struck Henson remained inside the vehicle according to Lucio. The Benbrook Police Chief told WFAA they're investigating it as a tragic accident.
They do not believe speed or alcohol played a role. The driver explained what happened to the police and Javier.
"I did try to console her and talk to her for a few minutes to understand what happened. And she just was very apologetic and said she didn't see us. She didn't see us. She was very, very upset," said Javier Lucio, "And it's very difficult for us to accept that. How can you not see us when there are ten of us riding together?"
Charles "Chuck" Henson retired as an Overton Park Elementary Science teacher in May 2022. In a School letter to the staff, the Overton Park Elementary principal wrote, that Mr. Chuck Henson was a valued team member who proudly served the campus and cared deeply for our students.
Even his cycling friends knew how much Chuck loved teaching school. It was no surprise that he was coming out of retirement to go back into the classroom to teach again on October 1.
"He loved the kids and the kids loved him," Javier Lucio said, "Chuck loved cycling. You know, it's just unfortunate that we're losing such a good friend of ours."
Just like the other nine who started on the Saturday morning ride with Chuck, Lucio will continue to ride. But he wants everyone on the road to stay alert, especially in areas known as cycling routes like West Vickery Boulevard.
"We all need to be more aware of, you know, cyclists, motorcyclists," said Javier Lucio.
Chuck would often treat the cycling group to his homemade pizza at his house. They all fell in love with Chuck's homemade dough. In the days to come, Lucio and the other cyclists will join Chuck's family for a pizza party in his memory.