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20-Year Prison Sentence for Drunk Driver who Killed US National Champion Cyclist Jake Boykin

In a tragic turn of events that has shaken the cycling community, John Corbett Horne, 62, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the hit-and-run death of USA National Champion cyclist Jake Boykin

20-Year Prison Sentence for Drunk Driver who Killed US National Champion Cyclist Jake Boykin

The sentencing took place on Friday, as Jefferson County Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson delivered the verdict for the felony DUI Manslaughter and Leaving The Scene Of Crash Involving Death charges.

Jake Boykin, a promising 25-year-old cyclist, was struck and killed by Horne while on a training ride in September 2023. Reports indicate that Horne hit Boykin with his pickup truck and fled the scene, leaving Boykin’s bike lodged in the truck’s front bumper. The incident not only claimed the life of a talented athlete but also left a profound impact on the cycling community and beyond.

The Florida Highway Patrol acted swiftly, tracking down Horne shortly after the incident. Upon investigation, officers discovered open beer bottles inside Horne's vehicle, and a subsequent blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test revealed Horne's BAC was three times over the legal limit of 0.08%. This reckless disregard for human life has led to widespread outrage and calls for stricter penalties for DUI offenders.

"Jake was not just a champion cyclist; he was a beloved member of our community whose life was tragically cut short," said USA Cycling CEO Rob DeMartini. "This sentencing serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the importance of road safety for all cyclists. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jake's family, friends, and teammates as they navigate this unimaginable loss."

Boykin began racing competitively in 2022 and quickly made a name for himself by representing Florida State University. Just four months before his untimely death, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2023 USA Cycling Collegiate Time Trial Championship, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication to the sport.

The cycling community has rallied around Boykin’s family, advocating for safer road conditions and increased awareness surrounding the dangers of impaired driving. Local cycling clubs and organizations have planned memorial rides and events to honor Boykin’s legacy and to promote road safety for all cyclists.

As the legal proceedings conclude, USA Cycling remains committed to fostering a safe environment for cyclists nationwide. The organization urges all motorists to exercise caution and responsibility on the roads, ensuring the safety of both cyclists and pedestrians alike.

The 25-year-old talented cyclist was pursuing his PhD from the Florida State University (FSU). Boykin earned his Master's of Science in Kinesiology from Texas Tech in 2022 and his Bachelor's from Gustavus Adolphus College where he played on the school’s football team.

Bored by the lockdowns of the pandemic he purchased an old road bike. He began riding the roads around Lubbock, using his research and his inquisitive mind to increase performance. His first competitive race as a Cat 5 was in the spring of 2022. He moved to Cat 4 in time for the 2022 Tulsa Tough competition. He won the first race at Tulsa and finished 9th on crybaby hill.

He moved to Cat 3 shortly before arriving at Florida State and moved up to Cat 2 in 2023. He continued racing and connecting with the cycling community in Tallahassee. Many cyclists took him under their wing and helped Jake join the racing team Velobrew. 

Boykin won the 2023 USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championship Time Trial in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was on his final training ride as he prepared to compete at Six Gap Century’s 100 mile course through the North Georgia mountains when he was killed as a result of injuries he sustained after being struck by a driver in a pickup truck in Tallahassee, Florida on 22 September 2023.

The Tallahassee cycling community held a memorial ride on September 28, 2023 and a Celebration of Life Service for Jake was held in Las Cruces, NM at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Jake famously wrote the words “Don’t skim your story” on his whiteboard in the Spring of 2021.

Jake was always happiest on his bike, and in life, going full-gas.

RIP Jake.