A driver struck a group of more than 40 cyclists on a road in Wake County, North Carolina, on a Saturday morning, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. Authorities reported that the driver, suspected of being impaired, crossed the center line before the collision and fled the scene.
The incident occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m. Eastern time when a black Infiniti traveling west moved into the path of cyclists traveling east. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the vehicle continued for approximately half a mile after the initial impact before crashing into a ditch.
The victim who died was identified as 63-year-old Patrick Allen Turner of Cary, North Carolina. Holly Springs Fire Chief LeRoy Smith stated that the cyclists were part of a group that routinely meets for weekend rides. The collision occurred in Wake County.
Emergency responders reported varying injury counts. Fire Chief Smith said seven people were hospitalized with major injuries and 15 others suffered minor injuries. The State Highway Patrol estimated the number of injured individuals at approximately one dozen.
Police arrested 76-year-old Donald Robert Morris-Jones of Apex, North Carolina, in connection with the crash. He faces multiple charges, including felony death by vehicle, felony serious injury by vehicle, felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death, reckless driving, and driving while impaired.