Three Rivers professor injured while riding bike

MALDEN, Mo. -- A Three Rivers College instructor was airlifted to a Memphis, Tennessee, hospital last week after being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle.

Kevin Wheeler, 44, was riding on Route J three miles west of Malden, Missouri, when a westbound 2005 Ford F150 pickup struck the rear of his bicycle shortly after 6 a.m., according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report.

Wheeler sustained broken bones and was expected to remain at Regional One Health Center in Memphis for at least a week, according to college officials, and was in the intensive care unit.

Wheeler routinely rides from his home in Campbell, Missouri, to Malden in the mornings, said Dr. Wes Payne, Three Rivers College president.

On Wednesday, doctors had ruled out paralysis and head injuries, he said.

Math faculty members were covering Wheeler's classes and developing a plan to take care of his students until he can return, Payne said. Wheeler teaches transitional math, intermediate algebra, college algebra and applied calculus for the college.

Wheeler's dedication to teaching has been recognized at the state and local levels.

He received the Governor's Award in 2011 and was honored that year by Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce as Teacher of the Year.

Wheeler has taught at Three Rivers for about 15 years, and has been described by his division chair as one of the best classroom teachers. He makes students feel secure in the classroom while challenging them to high levels, co-workers said.

Wheeler has a wife and five children who are between the ages of 2 and 13.

The Ford F150 was driven by 32-year-old Michael L. Davis of Gideon, Missouri, according to the patrol.

Pertinent address:

Malden, Mo.