Retired Navy SEAL struck and killed while bicycling in Bethesda

BETHESDA, Md. - A retired Navy SEAL and well-known businessman biking in Bethesda was killed after being struck by a vehicle Friday morning.

Police are investigating the incident and it is unclear if the driver will face charges.

Timothy Holden was cycling on a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue when he was hit by a car at around 6:15 a.m.

"I'm just in shock," said Peter Holden, the victim's brother. "Just an incredible person."

Family members were clearly heartbroken after getting the unexpected news that the 64-year-old avid cyclist was killed.

Peter Holden told FOX 5 that his older brother was a father, grandfather and one of nine siblings. He was known as the patriarch of the family.

"He was a Naval Academy graduate and then went into the SEALs," said Peter. "[He] was commodore of the SEALs, had a great career, just an all-around great guy."

Police say Timothy Holden was biking eastbound along Massachusetts Avenue when a 22-year-old man driving a Chevrolet Malibu eastbound struck the bicyclist.

The crash is still under investigation.

"With our serious or fatal collisions, our collision reconstruction unit will conclude their investigation before they confer with the state's attorney's office," said Montgomery County Police Cpl. Rebecca Innocenti. "At that point, they will determine if charges are to be placed and what those charges may be."

Montgomery County police said the investigation could take several weeks before they know the exact cause of the crash and whether the driver will face charges.

"Knowing that there's not even a sidewalk in front of our house is unnerving, let alone the fact that the bike lane is very narrow," said Maureen Ryan, who lives near the crash scene. "People come up from a very steep hill and may not always have the ability to see what's immediately in front of them once they come to the top, especially if they're going at a higher rate of speed."

The victim's family said Timothy Holden was a man of strong faith. It is something they are now relying on to get them through this incredibly hard time.

"He was someone special," said the victim's brother. "He took time to talk to everyone. He provided great advice. He was a leader. I tried to emulate him in what I did with my life."