Franklin Attkisson, a former Kissimmee mayor, was killed while he was riding his bicycle Thursday night after being struck by a car, the Florida Highway Patrol stated.

  • Former Kissimmee Mayor Franklin Attkisson died after being struck by car, FHP says
  • Crash remains under investigation; no charges filed
  • Attkisson had long political career

At around 6:39 p.m., Kirstie Jean Knoebel, 26, was driving her 2016 Hyun Elantra west on Kissimmee Park Road, west of Lake Tohopekaliga Road, as Attkisson was pedaling in the same direction, the FHP stated.

Knoebel's car hit the back of the 61-year-old Attkisson's bike, the FHP stated. Attkisson was taken to the Osceola Regional Hospital where he died.

Knoebel wasn't under the influence of alcohol, according to a report.

The crash remains under investigations and no charges have been filed.

Attkisson had a long career in Florida politics.

"Frank was elected as Chairman of the Osceola County Commission in December 2012. He is serving his first term with the Osceola County Commission, which started in November 2010. He has previously served in other local elected offices such as City of Kissimmee Commissioner and Mayor. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000 and served eight years until being termed out of office," according to the Osceola County government's website.

Attkisson lost his re-election bid to Cheryl Grieb in 2014 by just more than 100 votes.

Osceola County Commissioner Fred Hawkins Jr. shared his thoughts and feelings with News 13 about Attkisson's death.

"The Osceola community is in shock from the tragic event last night. Frank was a great man devoted to family and served the region and county as mayor of Kissimmee, House of Representatives and then county commissioner. He was my friend," he stated. "I ask for prayers for Juda, his wife their children and the entire Osceola County community as we come to terms with this tragic loss."  

Frank Attkisson's Political Career

  • Kissimmee City Commission 1990-1992
  • Kissimmee Mayor 1996-2000
  • Florida House of Representatives 2000-2008
  • Osceola County Commission 2010-2014 (chairman 2012-2014)