Widow Of Edmond Dentist Killed On Logan County Road While Riding Bike Seeks Justice

The wife of an Edmond dentist who was killed by an elderly driver last May is seeking justice for her late husband. 

Richard Safi, 52, died while riding his bike on Highway 77 in Logan County.

It has been nearly a year since the avid bicyclist and triathlete died, and his widow is questioning why the Logan County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against the driver who killed her husband.

Lezel Safi received a shocking and life-changing call last May. One she never expected.

“He was just out doing what he loved to do,” Lezel Safi, widow, said.  

Her husband was training for a Triathlon when he was hit and killed. 

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said 85-year-old Vivian Lewis failed to see Safi riding his bike in the middle of the afternoon.

“She hit him straight from behind,” Safi said.

As the one-year anniversary of her husband's death approached, Safi said she was surprised the OHP investigator, or the Logan County DA's office never contacted her about the status of the case.

“The ADA I spoke to said I can’t find it in the system,” Safi said. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

OHP confirmed the case was turned over to the DA last July, but the DA declined to prosecute the elderly driver and never notified the victim's widow.

“If you look at the negligent homicide statute it fits all the elements. She had known eye disease, she was driving one of her son’s farm trucks,” Safi said. “Not even a ticket. How do you hit and kill somebody, and you just walk away?”

Safi wants answers not only for her but her three children and all the patients her late husband had through his dental practice.

“My kids don’t have a father, my grandkids won’t have a grandfather,” said Safi. “His patients that adored and loved him.”

News 9 called the Logan County DA”s office for comment regarding the case but did not receive a call back.