BROWN COUNTY, Kan. — An Arizona bicyclist was killed Sunday when he was struck by a car on U.S. Highway 73 in northern Brown County.

Sheriff John Merchant said Earl Johnston, 51, of Surprise, Ariz., was southbound on his bicycle when he was hit by a northbound car driven by ElDeana Pearson, 23, of Falls City, Neb.

The accident was reported around 8:40 a.m. at mile-marker 105, just south of the Kansas-Nebraska border.

Mr. Johnston was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr. Merchant said he knew of no injuries to the driver or to a passenger in the car.

The accident remains under investigation. Mr. Merchant said deputies are checking into the story that Ms. Pearson swerved to miss a deer and struck Mr. Johnston.

Mr. Johnston was part of a bicycle tour traveling through the area, but had separated from the group, Mr. Merchant said.