Jose Martel

A Templeton who struck and killed a bicyclist while driving near Cayucos received a three-month jail sentence on Friday. [Tribune]

Last December, Mark Jeffrey Hedges, 60, was driving a pickup truck eastbound on Old Creek Road near the north end of Whale Rock Reservoir. Hedges crossed over a double yellow line while trying to pass a vehicle and struck and killed Jose Martel, 47, of San Luis Obispo. Hedges stayed at the scene of the crash and cooperated with investigators.

In October, Hedges pleaded no contest to felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. He is expected to serve about half of his 90-day sentence because of credits he has earned.

Hedges’ attorney, Ginger Ortiz, said in court on Friday that her client is grief stricken and suffering as a result of the accident, and he wants to convey to Martel’s family how sorry he is.

Adriana Webb, Martel’s niece, said her uncle lived in San Luis Obispo for about six years and worked as a pharmacist at a local hospital. Martel loved cycling, and he died doing what he loved the most, Webb said.

Hedges is due to report to San Luis Obispo County Jail in February.