MELBOURNE, Fla. – Authorities in Melbourne are actively investigating a hit-and-run incident that tragically claimed the life of a 70-year-old cyclist on Wednesday morning.

As detailed in an official statement, the Melbourne Police Department responded to the accident scene at the junction of Eau Gallie Boulevard and Highland Avenue shortly after 5:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the injured cyclist but noted the absence of the vehicle responsible for the collision.

The victim, identified as James Griffin, a local resident of Melbourne, sadly succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital.

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According to the release, the bicyclist was traveling west on Eau Gallie Boulevard in a designated bicycle lane when a light-colored car turned west on Eau Gallie Boulevard from the intersection of Pineapple Avenue.

Police said witnesses reported the vehicle was driving erratically, swerving and squealing tires before striking the bicyclist and continuing west on Eau Gallie Boulevard without stopping.

According to the release, the suspect’s vehicle is only described as a light-colored car.

Anyone who may have witnessed the car traveling erratically is encouraged to contact the Traffic Enforcement Unit’s Investigator Officer Whiteside at 321-616-6087.

Anyone who prefers to provide information anonymously can do so by calling Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or by going www.crimeline.org.