HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. -- A 17-year-old Highlands Ranch teen accused of hitting a cyclist after allegedly losing control of his vehicle while text messaging on a cellular phone was charged Thursday with careless driving causing death.

The charge is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year in prison, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

The victim, Jim R. Price, 63, was riding his bicycle in a bicycle path Nov. 23 when he was hit by the teen's car near Wildcat Reserve Parkway and Summit View, Douglas County sheriff's Lt. Alan Stanton said.

The accident investigation did not show excessive speed, alcohol or drugs as a factor in the accident, according to Lt. Stanton.

The teen, who has not been identified, was issued a summons and ordered to appear in court. The court date was not released because the driver is a minor.