GUN BARREL CITY–A bicyclist was killed Aug. 19 by a hit-and-run driver on the U.S. Highway 175 overpass spanning the State Highway 334 intersection, Gun Barrel City Police Department said. 
According to a press release from Gun Barrel City Police Capt. Connie Pena Katsoulas, at approximately 4:09 p.m. that day, Gun Barrel City Police dispatch received a 9-1-1 call regarding a man on a bicycle who was struck by a vehicle. The 9-1-1 caller observed the vehicle, which he described as a brownish medium sized semi-truck hauling what looked to him like two shipping containers, strike the victim from behind with the front right area of the truck. He referenced the truck itself to be like the size of a garbage truck. The driver of the truck did not stop, continuing instead east into Eustace. 
The release says the caller and a subsequent passerby stopped to render aid and pray for the victim, who has been identified as a 30-year-old German citizen, Rick Mueller. Mueller was in the United States touring across the country and stopping at various historical sites meeting multiple people along his travels. There was a journal in his possessions with numerous entries written by himself and the new friends he met along the way, with his most recent stop in Dallas at Dealey Plaza and the Texas Schoolbook Depository Museum.
The release states investigators note that there is paint transfer on the bicycle that is red in color, leading us to believe the cab of the truck is red but very dirty, giving it a rusty brown appearance described by the witness. It is possible that the driver of the truck is not aware that he struck Mueller, according to the release. 
Gun Barrel City Police is asking the public for assistance in identifying the vehicle and/or driver.
“Our sincere condolences go out to Mr. Mueller’s family. We would like to thank Gun Barrel City Fire Department, UT Health EMS, Eustace PD, Texas DPS and the two citizens who stopped to assist and pray with Mr. Mueller at the time of his passing,” the release shares.