A 76-year-old driver suspected of being impaired allegedly plowed into a group of approximately 30 bicyclists during a Saturday morning ride in North Carolina, killing one person and leaving numerous others injured before crashing his vehicle into a ditch about half a mile away.
The devastating collision happened around 9:30 a.m. on November 7 along Optimist Farm Road near Talicud Trail in Wake County, southeast of Raleigh.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the cyclists were participating in a group ride organized by the Capital Cycling Club when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction suddenly crossed the center line and struck several riders.
The impact left one cyclist dead and seven others seriously injured, while additional riders suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Authorities identified the driver as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, 76, of Apex, North Carolina.
Investigators said Morris-Jones continued driving after striking the cyclists, traveling approximately half a mile before veering off the left side of the roadway and crashing into a ditch.
He was subsequently taken into custody, with troopers indicating that impairment was suspected as a possible factor in the collision. Authorities have not announced the results of any toxicology testing.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where numerous injured cyclists required medical attention. Victims were transported to several area hospitals, including WakeMed Raleigh, WakeMed Cary and UNC Health Holly Springs.
The severity of the crash prompted a major emergency response as paramedics worked to treat the injured and authorities secured the roadway.
The collision was particularly devastating because the cyclists were participating in an organized group ride, an activity intended to provide companionship and additional visibility on the road.
Investigators are now working to determine why the vehicle crossed into the cyclists’ path and whether alcohol or drugs played a role.
The identity of the cyclist who died had not been released in initial reports, pending notification of family members.
Morris-Jones remained in custody Saturday as authorities prepared criminal charges. The exact charges had not been publicly confirmed in the earliest reports.
Optimist Farm Road was shut down near the crash scene as state troopers examined the roadway, documented evidence and reconstructed the sequence of events leading up to the deadly collision.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, and officials said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.