VALDOSTA, Ga.  – A man on a bicycle died early New Year’s Eve, after being struck by a tractor-trailer along a darkened road, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

GSP Post 31 Cpl. Chris Kelch said the death was the first traffic-related fatality reported in the state during the New Year holiday period which started Friday.

Donald Kenneth Berrian Jr., 30, of Valdosta was pronounced dead at the scene on Highway 84, near Smith Road, according to the GSP report.

He had been riding a bicycle along the left eastbound lane, 45 minutes after midnight Saturday, Dec. 31, according to the GSP.

“The bicycle had no lights or reflectors attached,” according to the GSP report. “Mr. Berrian was also wearing dark clothing and no helmet.” 

Phillip Wyatt, 57, of Valdosta was driving a white 2014 Freightliner tractor-trailer east in the left lane, according to the GSP.

“The tractor trailer struck the bicyclist with its front end,” according to the report.

Emergency personnel attempted CPR on Berrian but their efforts failed. Lowndes County Coroner Brad Carter pronounced Berrian dead at the scene.

The truck driver sustained no injuries.

The GSP does not expect to file charges in the incident.