By Susan Monteleone
YULAN — August 9, 2002 – On Tuesday, 14-year-old Michael Cleary went out for a ride on his bicycle to meet some friends at a neighborhood park. However, Cleary’s day of fun turned tragic when he was struck by a van driven by Barbara Biven.
According to New York State Police, Biven was traveling up the Barryville-Yulan Road near Yulan at 12:15 p.m. when Cleary apparently swerved his bicycle into the right lane and was struck by Biven’s van.
Cleary was dragged roughly 20 feet under the van and was subsequently trapped under the van when it stopped on the opposite side of the road.
Upon the arrival of the Yulan Fire Department and the American Legion Ambulance Corps, Cleary was advised to stay under the van until they could properly remove him, but he crawled out from under it.
Cleary was immediately treated on scene and air lifted by Stat-Life to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. Cleary’s injuries were listed as severe, but he was alert and talking after the accident.
Biven was shaken after the incident but did not wish any medical transport.
The accident continues to be under investigation by the New York State Police.