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Justice Served for the Bullard Brothers Killed in the Tour of St. George Cycling Event
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After two long years, justice has finally been served for Matthew and Adam Bullard, whose lives were tragically cut short during the 2022 Spring Tour of St. George cycling event. Julie Ann Budge has been sentenced to up to ten years in Utah State Prison, a significant verdict that renews the call for safer roads and an end to impaired driving. This narrative now unfolds in the aftermath of justice, as we dive into the details of the sentencing and reflect on the incident that forever changed a community.
Sentencing of the Driver- Julie Ann Budge
June 3, 2024 Minutes of the Fifth Judicial District - St. George, Utah District Court
Charge #1: Automobile Homicide Criminal Negligence DUI of Alcohol/Drugs
Sentencing: Indeterminate term of not to exceed five years in the Utah State Prison
Charge #2: Automobile Homicide Criminal Negligence DUI of Alcohol/Drugs
Sentencing: Indeterminate term of not to exceed five years in the Utah State Prison
Charge #5: Reckless Driving
Sentencing: 180 Days in Jail. Credit is granted for 786 days previously served
Charge #6: Failure to Stay in One Lane
Sentencing: No sentencing for this Infraction
What happened on April 9th, 2022: The Bullard Brothers' Final Ride
It was a beautiful spring morning in southern Utah. Hundreds of cyclists were in St. George, Utah for the annual Spring Tour of St. George hosted by Ride Southern Utah. Among the riders were Matthew and Adam Bullard and their teenage sons, from California who all shared a passion for cycling.
Their day took a catastrophic turn when Julie Ann Budge, an impaired driver, lost control of her vehicle and swerved into the bike lane where they were riding. The collision was immediate and fatal, claiming the lives of the Bullard brothers at the scene. This tragic incident not only left a void in the hearts of their family and friends but also sent shockwaves through the entire cycling community, highlighting the urgent need for safer road-sharing practices.
Incident snapshot
- Location: Telegraph Street, Washington City, Utah.
- Date of Accident: April 9th (Saturday).
- Victims: Matthew and Adam Bullard, passionate cyclists from California.
- Immediate Aftermath: The collision was catastrophic, leaving the Bullard brothers fatally injured at the scene. Despite immediate efforts by fellow cyclists and first responders, their lives could not be saved. Both patients were transported to St. George Regional Hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.
- Charged: Julie Ann Budge, 47, told police she had 'various medical issues' and had begun uncontrollably defecating herself, causing her to veer into the bike lane.
- Legal Implications: Following the accident, the driver faced multiple charges, including 2 counts of automobile homicide/DUI, and Reckless Driving, highlighting the grim consequences of impaired driving.
A Community Wounded: The Aftermath of Loss
Shock and grief
The news of the Bullard brothers' deaths sent ripples of shock through the brothers' immediate family and the cycling community. In an ABC4 interview, the wives of the Bullard brothers stated:
"We hope for justice and severe consequences for the person who used her vehicle as a weapon to take Adam and Matt away from us..."
Solidarity in sorrow
The solidarity exhibited by the cycling community in the aftermath of the tragedy was profound. The community united in mourning, organizing vigils and a Ghost Bike Memorial that transformed the crash site into a sacred space of remembrance.
Mayor Staheli stated the following at the memorial:
“I wish there was no need for an event such as this today... I wish Adam and Matthew were home with their families talking about the great time they had in Washington County... I wish we weren’t gathered here today to mourn the preventable loss of two lives – but here we are. Here we are with white bikes honoring two lives that did not need to be taken.”
Following the Mayor, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Washington City Police Lt. Kory Klotz, and St. George City Councilwoman Danielle Larkin, representing the Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance, paid their respects and shared some words.
These acts of remembrance provided a shared space for grief and a unified call for safer roads.
The St. George Mayor Michele Randall said she received a call from a Bullard family member who expressed their gratitude for the community's support.
“If this tragedy had to happen, she said it happened in the best place possible,” Randall said. “Because they (the Bullard family) have been so surrounded with love and support from our community, she said that had if happened in California where they lived, it would have just been another fatality and nobody would have cared.”
The Legacy of the Bullard Brothers: Who Were the Bullard Brothers?
The Bullard brothers, Matthew and Adam, were more than just participants in the tragic Utah bike race; they were vibrant souls whose lives painted a picture of passion, dedication, and love for cycling. Their story is one of inspiration, marked by shared moments on and off the bike.
April and Shannon Bullard said in a statement to ABC4:
“Our husbands, Adam and Matthew Bullard were wonderful men, and we feel so honored that the city of St. George and Washington City, along with many other great organizations are memorializing them by erecting two ghost bikes in their honor.”
Lives lived with zeal
- Early Days: Growing up in California, the Bullard brothers found their love for cycling early on, inspired by their family's active lifestyle. Their childhood was filled with adventure dedicated to Jesus Christ, their families, and each other, exploring trails and learning the ropes of cycling together.
- Professional and Personal Lives: Matthew and Adam turned their passion into a lifestyle. Matthew worked in the tech industry, while Adam was a renowned fitness coach and also worked multiple days a week at The Cyclery Bike Shop in La Mirada, California. Both balanced their professional lives with their love for cycling, often seen leading community rides and participating in races.
- Racing for a Cause: Their participation in the Spring Tour of St. George wasn't just for competition; it was part of their broader aim to promote cycling as a means to foster community and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Investigating the Crash that Killed the Tour of St. George cyclists
The investigation into the Bullard brothers killed in the Utah bike race was a meticulous effort to piece together how an annual cycling event turned into a fatal tragedy.
Preliminary findings
- The Cause: Early reports indicated the driver's sudden medical emergency, leading to uncontrollable defecation, as the primary cause of the accident. The defendant stated that the unexpected crisis resulted in the loss of control over the vehicle, culminating in the tragic collision.
- The Driver's Condition: Investigations have unraveled the driver's medical history and current health status, scrutinizing the role these factors played in the crash. In fact, it's apparent that the woman who blamed the fatal crash on pooping has a history of drunk driving and health issues, according to the New York Post.
- The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Budge was convicted in 2015 for driving under the influence.
- She also was convicted in 2006 for an unknown offense, the news outlet reported.
- Budge has also detailed various health struggles over the years in posts on Facebook, including sharing one photo in which she is wearing a T-shirt bearing the message, “Straight outta addiction.” In September 2018, she wrote: “Been going thru a bipolar episode since the 5th. New to me bc usually I sleep sleep sleep. This time I can’t and reached my limit today. Mentally, emo and physically exhausted.”
Convictions
On January 29, 2024, Julie Ann Budge was found GUILTY on the following charges:
- Charge #1: Automobile Homicide Criminal Negligence DUI of Alcohol/Drugs - 3rd Degree Felony
- Charge #2: Automobile Homicide Criminal Negligence DUI of Alcohol/Drugs - 3rd Degree Felony
- Charge #5: Reckless Driving - Class B Misdemeanor
- Charge #6: Failure to Stay in One Lane - Infraction
The community's role
- Witness Accounts: Testimonies from fellow cyclists and witnesses have been crucial in reconstructing the event's timeline and understanding the sequence of actions leading to the accident.
- Public Response: The cycling community's reaction, including calls for stricter safety regulations and enhanced road-sharing protocols, underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
Looking forward
- Advocacy Groups: Local advocacy groups like Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance continue to advocate for cyclist safety throughout southern Utah.
- Focus on DUI Laws: The case has brought a renewed focus on DUI laws and their enforcement.
Bike Legal's Role in Representing and Advocating for Cyclists
Bike Legal is a law firm that represents and advocates for cyclists in Utah and across the United States, focusing on providing legal assistance to cyclists who have been injured in bicycle accidents.
- Legal Representation: In Utah and other states, Bike Legal offers comprehensive legal representation to cyclists involved in cycling accidents. This includes handling all aspects of a case from the initial consultation, through investigation and discovery, to representation in court or settlement negotiations. They specialize in navigating the complexities of bicycle accident claims, which often involve unique challenges such as proving liability and quantifying damages specific to cyclists.
- Advocacy for Safer Laws: Bike Legal advocates for better protection for cyclists through legislative change. This includes supporting laws that improve cycling infrastructure, such as improved bike, safer road designs, and stricter penalties for drivers who violate the law.
- Education and Awareness: Bike Legal provides provides an educational blog aimed at both cyclists and motorists. For cyclists, they provide information on legal rights and safety tips. For motorists, they work to raise awareness about the presence of cyclists and the importance of sharing the road responsibly.
Bike Legal not only represents individual cyclists legally but also works to create a safer and more informed cycling environment across the nation. Their dual approach of individual case management and broader advocacy supports their mission of protecting and promoting the interests of the cycling community.
Request a free consultation by calling 877-BIKE LEGAL (877 245-3534) or submitting a form.
FAQs
Q: Who were the cyclists killed in St George bike race?
A: The cyclists tragically killed in St. George were the Bullard brothers, Matthew and Adam. Both brothers hailed from California and shared a profound passion for cycling. They were known for their vibrant involvement in the cycling community, often participating in races and advocating for the sport's joy and health benefits. The Bullard brothers' lives were celebrated for their dedication to family, their careers, and especially their love for cycling, making their loss deeply felt within the community and beyond.
Q: What is the sentence for Julie Ann Budge?
A: Julie Ann Budge was convicted on two counts of Automobile Homicide Criminal Negligence DUI and Reckless Driving. She has been sentenced for up to 10 years in Utah state prison and 180 days in jail. Credit was granted for 786 days previously served.
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