Woman struck by car while riding bike dies

A woman injured last month in Redmond when she was struck by a car while riding her bicycle has died.

Gail A. Alef died Sunday at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, the Redmond Police Department reported.

Alef, 54, a Bellevue dentist, was struck by a car Sept. 18 while riding her bicycle along Willows Road west of downtown Redmond.

Steven E. Riedel, 58, of Redmond, was charged with vehicular assault and felony hit-and-run as a result of the collision. The King County Prosecutor's Office is considering whether to change the charges to reflect Alef's death, a spokesperson said, and a decision is expected within about two weeks.

Riedel is being held at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, Pierce County, for an evaluation at the request of his attorney, police reported.

Alef had been a dentist in this state since 1986 and practiced at offices on 156th Avenue Northeast in the Overlake area, according to state records. An employee there said her family is expected to issue a statement about her death within a few days.

Alef suffered pelvic injures, internal bleeding and fractures in the collision.

According to charges brought against Riedel, Alef was riding south along Willows Road with a group of bicyclists when a northbound 1993 Nissan 300ZX approached and drifted across the centerline.

The bicyclists tried to avoid the car, but Alef struck a curb and fell into the path of the Nissan. She was dragged several feet and was found under the car.

Police said Riedel walked away from the scene and was found at a nearby golf course, where he was nonresponsive and uncooperative.

The Prosecutor's Office said there was "compelling evidence" that Riedel was the driver and that he left the scene without rendering assistance.

Peyton Whitely: 206-464-2259 or pwhitely@seattletimes.com