Driver pleads not guilty over crash that killed two Canberra cyclists

By Harry FrostTopic:Road Accidents and IncidentsPosted Tue 20 Oct 2026 at 11:10amTue 20 Oct 2026 at 11:10am, updated Tue 20 Oct 2026 at 11:25amTue 20 Oct 2026 at 11:25amBridie Lee, 32, died at the scene, while Ryan Riethmuller, 39, died days later in hospital. (Supplied)In short:Thi Phuong Ngoc Nguyen, 40, was summonsed to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today over a crash on Canberra's Gunghalin Drive that killed cyclists Bridie Lee and Ryan Riethmuller. She has pleaded not guilty to two counts of culpable driving causing death and one count of negligent driving occasioning actual bodily harm.What's next?The case is due to return to court in January 2027.A 40-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to charges over a double fatal collision in Canberra's north.Bridie Lee, 32, and Ryan Riethmuller, 39, were among five cyclists struck by a blue Hyundai Accent on Gunghalin Drive in Palmerston at about 6:20am on August 27.The group of cyclists was struck by a blue Hyundai Accent on Gunghalin Drive in Palmerston on August 27. (ABC News: Luke Stephenson)Members of the public, including an off-duty nurse and police officer, assisted the injured cyclists while they waited for emergency services to arrive.Ms Lee died at the scene, while Mr Riethmuller died in hospital a week later.Bridie Lee was a member of the Canberra Bilbys Triathlon Club. (Supplied)The incident prompted an outpouring of grief in the cycling community, with hundreds of mourners taking part in a tribute ride for the victims who had been involved in Canberra's triathlon community.Ryan Riethmuller was a member of the Canberra Bilbys Triathlon Club. (Supplied)Last month, Thi Phuong Ngoc Nguyen was summonsed to appear in the ACT Magistrates court today on two counts of culpable driving causing death and one count of negligent driving occasioning actual bodily harm.She didn't appear in person this morning, and was instead represented by her lawyer, Mitchell Greig, who entered not guilty pleas to all charges and sought a date for a pre-hearing mention.The case is due to return to court in January next year.