The driver who struck three bicyclists, fatally injuring one of them, in Ipswich last month allegedly was using her smartphone at the time of the crash, according to authorities.

Ryane Linehan, 43, of Ipswich, faces citations for motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, a marked lanes violation and using an electronic device, according to local authorities. She is set to appear in Ipswich District Court in May, when criminal charges could be formally filed, prosecutors said.

If criminal charges are forthcoming, she will need to consider hiring a car injury attorney.

Authorities said Linehan was driving on Topsfield Road just after 2 p.m. March 26 when she struck bicyclist George Norris, 58, wife Amy, 60, and son Jack, 19. Investigators said she was using her phone just prior to the crash.

Linehan remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, prosecutors said.

George Norris and his family were taken to area hospitals for treatment of wounds sustained in the wreck. George Norris was pronounced dead the following morning, according to authorities.

Linehan’s upcoming court date likely will be closed to the public. It wasn’t clear from information released this week whether Linehan has hired a car injury attorney to represent her.

Nearly three weeks later, donations continue to be made to a GoFundMe campaign set up for George Norris’ survivors. The effort has raised more than $135,000 toward a goal that has been increased to $150,000.

“George was a humble, generous and caring man who assisted whenever a need arose, never seeking recognition,” campaign organizers wrote in the post.

Disclaimer: The Accident News article you just read includes information obtained from numerous sources. These sources include, but are not limited to, websites and press releases from law enforcement, the county coroner, fire departments, and other news outlets. While we strive to provide readers with the most accurate information, sometimes the information received is not entirely accurate. For complete details, please refer to an official police report.

The articles published contain sensitive subject matter that may be hard to read by some. We understand that losing a loved one is hard and devastating. Accident News’s decision to share the stories is to help others who may be facing the same situations by providing appropriate resources to the general public.

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