Laurie Strano, mother of 2, named as Ride the Rideau crash victim

The cyclist killed during the Ride to Rideau charity event was Laurie Strano, a 40-year-old mother of two who was also an active cyclist, runner and swimmer, her family confirmed.

The crash happened on the route of Saturday’s Ride the Rideau, a charity event that raised $2.3 million for cancer research at The Ottawa Hospital.

​Strano was struck and killed by a garbage truck near the intersection of River and Doyle roads in the south Ottawa suburb of Manotick.

She was cycling in the charity event late Saturday morning ahead of a small group of riders when she was struck, witnesses said. Strano was later pronounced dead at the scene.

• Ride the Rideau cyclist dead after crash on route of charity event

Paramedics also attended to several bystanders who were affected by witnessing the crash.

The event was shut down after the crash as police investigated.

Meteorologist hired to monitor weather, hospital foundation says

The Ottawa Hospital foundation held a news conference on Monday, in which president Tim Kluke said they're waiting for the results of the police investigation, and that they don't want to speculate about what caused the crash.

But Kluke did say a weather service was hired to monitor the weather.

"While there was a severe thundershower the day before the event, the forecast from our weather service on the morning of the event was that, while there might be rain at the start, the skies were going to clear as the morning progressed," Kluke said. 

"With that information in hand, we decided to go on with the event."

Strano was set to marry in November

Strano, who had two children, was scheduled to be married in November, according to her long-time swim coach, Duane Jones.

Jones also said she was a strong swimmer, runner and cyclist.

Her family released a statement on Sunday through The Ottawa Hospital.

"Laurie was a strong, intelligent, energetic and beautiful person who will be deeply missed by the family, friends and co-workers who loved her so much," the statement read.

Strano served as the director of quality, patient safety and risk management at The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group. Her employer also released a statement.

"This is a horrific tragedy and a loss to everyone. Laurie was a wonderful, bright and dedicated member of our family at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. She will be deeply missed," read the statement from George Weber, president and CEO at The Royal. 

Police want anyone with information about the crash to call them at 613-236-1222, ext. 3212.