THOMSON - A well-known dentist and newly elected official in McDuffie County was seriously injured after the bicycle he was riding was struck by a church van in Thomson on Saturday, police say.
Dr. William "Bill" Jopling was flown by helicopter to Medical College of Georgia Hospital in Augusta. His condition was upgraded from serious to fair on Sunday, according to a hospital spokeswoman. The 60-year-old doctor, who has practiced dentistry in Thomson for more than 30 years, received various injuries, including multiple fractures, according to authorities.
In July, Dr. Jopling won election to the District 2, Seat B post on the McDuffie County Board of Commissioners. He is expected to be sworn into office in January, replacing incumbent Commissioner J.Robert "Bob" Farr.
Dr. Jopling, an avid bicyclist, was riding near the intersection of Tom Watson Way and Mesena Road shortly after 5 p.m. when he was struck by a church van. The van, owned by Springfield Baptist Church of Thomson, was driven by Felton Bradshaw, 60, of Mesean Road, Thomson, according to a report by Officer Pat Sanders of the Thomson Police Department.
Mr. Bradshaw was traveling west on Tom Watson Way, preparing to make a left turn onto Mesena Road when the mishap occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Police cited Mr. Bradshaw for causing "serious injury to a bicyclist," records show.
Sun is believed to have been a contributing factor to the accident.
