PILOT POINT, Texas — A Celina man has been arrested after a Denton County grand jury indicted him in connection with a December 2025 crash that killed two cyclists during a group ride near Pilot Point.
According to the Pilot Point Police Department, officers and emergency crews responded at approximately 8:19 a.m. on Dec. 20, 2025, to reports that two bicyclists had been struck by a vehicle on FM 455 East, just east of Fritcher Road.
First responders from multiple agencies arrived and began life-saving efforts. One cyclist was transported to Methodist Celina Medical Center, where he later died. The second cyclist was airlifted by CareFlite to Medical City Plano but also succumbed to his injuries.
Police said the driver continued a short distance after the collision before returning to the scene prior to the arrival of officers and cooperated with the investigation.
The victims were later identified as 60-year-old Andre Kocher of Lewisville and 55-year-old Scott Mages of Frisco. According to the Frisco Triathlon Club, both men were participating in a group bicycle ride when the crash occurred.
On Feb. 4, 2026, the Pilot Point Police Department announced the investigation remained active and said it was working closely with the Denton County District Attorney's Office to ensure all facts were thoroughly examined before any charging decisions were made.
On June 25, a Denton County grand jury indicted 23-year-old Eliseo Tavika Mauala of Celina on two counts of Collision Involving Death, both second-degree felonies.
Arrest warrants were issued on June 29, and Pilot Point police arrested Mauala without incident at his home at approximately 10:50 a.m. He was booked into the Denton County Jail.
Police said their investigation is now complete and has been formally turned over to the Denton County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.
Following the indictment, the Frisco Triathlon Club renewed its call for stronger protections for cyclists on Texas roadways.
"This is not just a cycling issue. It is a road-safety issue," the organization said in a statement.
The club urged the public to help prevent future tragedies by practicing safer passing, supporting improved infrastructure, remaining fully attentive while driving, and ensuring accountability when preventable crashes occur.
"Please remember that every person on a bike is someone's friend, spouse, parent, child, coworker, or training partner," the statement said. "Three feet. Full attention. Every life."
The organization concluded its message with a reminder: "Everybody deserves a chance to return home safely."
