Bicyclist hospitalized after collision with taxi

A woman suffered life-threatening injuries this afternoon after a taxi hit her as she rode a bicycle across Gulf Boulevard in Madeira Beach.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash, which sent Sissel Jangaard, 51, of 575 Crystal Drive in Madeira Beach, to Bayfront Medical Center, where she is listed in critical condition. It has not indicated who was at fault.

Deputies say a taxi driven by Darryl Giese, 41, was headed southbound on Gulf Boulevard when the vehicle apparently struck Jangaard, who was crossing the street from the beach, just south of the intersection with 146th Avenue near the entrance to County Park. He refused medical treatment.

Stephanie Garry, Times staff writer