TOCCOA, Ga. — A Toccoa man died over the weekend after being found unresponsive beside his bicycle, according to Stephens County Coroner Kyle Johnson. Investigators believe 45-year-old Matthew Buyatt crashed after suffering a medical emergency.
911 caller tried to save him
According to Johnson, emergency responders were dispatched around 5:47 p.m. Saturday, June 6, after a 911 caller reported a bicyclist down near the intersection of East Franklin Street and Rumsey Avenue. The caller began CPR under the guidance of emergency dispatchers while first responders rushed to the scene. Despite continued lifesaving efforts, Buyatt died from his injuries.
“Toccoa Police, Georgia State Patrol, and the coroner’s office conducted a thorough investigation of the scene and it was determined that no other person was involved in the incident,” Johnson said.
Authorities ruled Buyatt’s death accidental.
Funeral arrangements
Buyatt’s father shared news of his son’s death on social media Sunday, writing, “Last night my youngest son Matthew Buyatt died from injuries he sustained in a bicycle crash. He was right around the corner from his home in Toccoa. He was wearing a helmet. Investigators believe he had some type medical emergency issue.”
The post prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends and community members.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Little & Davenport Funeral Home in Gainesville. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the funeral home.
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