Brian Meegan
is charged with first-degree vehicular homicide. (Photo courtesy Delaware State Police)
An accident shortly after 2 a.m. on July 1 in which a motorist struck
and killed a bicyclist minutes after the two left the same bar has
shocked and saddened many in Rehoboth’s LGBT community.
Brian C. Meegan, 38, who was employed as a bartender at L Bar, a
popular gay bar on Rehoboth Avenue just outside the Rehoboth town
limits, allegedly slammed into the rear of a bicycle ridden by PNC Bank
loan officer Russell “Rusty” Henman, 44, while driving his 2003 Jeep
Wrangler, according to a statement released by Delaware State Police.
Russell ‘Rusty’ Henman
Police said they arrested Meegan a short time after he pulled into a
CVS Pharmacy parking lot. News media photos show him being held in
handcuffs by police at the site of the parking lot.
“The front of Meegan’s Jeep struck the rear of Henman’s bike causing
him to be ejected onto the hood of the Jeep,” the police statement says.
“Henman was carried approximately 400 feet until the Jeep struck a curb
and stopped, throwing Henman onto the roadway. He was pronounced dead
at the scene,” the statement says.
State Police charged Meegan with one count each of first-degree
vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death,
driving under the influence.
John Meng, co-owner of L Bar, disputes the police claim that Mee of alcohol, failure to report an accident
resulting in injury or death, no proof of motor vehicle insurance and
inattentive driving.egan
was intoxicated, saying other employees who observed him during his work
shift on the night of the accident say he wasn’t drinking.
People who know Meegan said he recently moved to Rehoboth from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and began working as a bartender at L Bar.
Meegan posted a message on his Facebook page at 5:13 p.m. on June 30
saying, “Working [a] double today, ready for Super July Fourth Week.”
People familiar with L Bar said he was referring to working a double
shift at the establishment, which included the afternoon happy hour
period and the evening shift. His evening shift on June 30 would have
extended past midnight to July 1, the morning of the accident.
The accident that took Henman’s life took place where Rehoboth Avenue
merges into Route 1 Coastal Highway. Many Rehoboth residents have noted
that bicycle traffic has increased in recent years. Some have called
for more clearly designated bike lanes, especially in the location where
Rehoboth Avenue merges with Route 1.
Others have called for more public awareness of programs aimed at
helping people with alcohol related problems. Elkins said Camp Rehoboth
hosts a weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meeting on Thursdays in which 60 or
more people participate.
“There are a number of AA meetings daily in the Rehoboth area,” he said.
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