A bicyclist killed outside Omaha, Nebraska, on the morning of Sept. 10 has been identified as Matthew Latacha, MD, a veteran cardiologist with Methodist Health System. He was 47 years old.

Latacha had been with the Nebraska health system since 2009, specializing in electrophysiology. He was a known advocate for Boston Scientific’s Watchman left atrial appendage closure device. In 2022, he was celebrated by the health system for personally performing 200 Watchman procedures.  

In a statement from Methodist Health System, Latacha was described as a “talented and compassionate” cardiologist who was “well respected, admired and loved by patients, colleagues and staff.”

“We know that he has touched the lives of literally thousands of patients through his clinical and surgical practices,” according to the statement.  

Omaha-based WOWT reported on Latacha’s accident, noting that he died on the scene after being struck by a vehicle. The incident is still under investigation.