East Rochester, N.Y.-- Along a stretch of Route 250 in Penfield, there is a newly-erected cross. It bears the name of 40-year-old Heather Boyum, a mother of two and a Fairport High School teacher who was killed while riding her bicycle on Sunday.
Throughout the day Monday, several family members, friends and strangers stopped by to remember Boyum and pay respects.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, 22-year-old Mark Scerbo has been charged with manslaughter in Boyum's death. Police say around 7:45 Sunday morning, Scerbo was riding his motorcycle on Route 250 in Penfield. He was behind an SUV driven by his friend 23-year-old Megan Merkel. According to investigators, Scerbo was speeding and doing wheelies when he hit Boyum.
On Monday, Merkel spoke to 13WHAM about the accident. When asked if Scerbo was driving recklessly, Merkel responded, "Yes. He was speeding by me. That's what he was trying to do...trying to pass me."
Merkel says Scerbo was passing her on her right side. Merkel says while she saw Boyum on her bike, Scerbo did not see Boyum, and he hit her. Scerbo and Boyum were both thrown onto the pavement. That's when police say Merkel ran over Boyum with her SUV.
