A 76-year-old North Carolina man suspected of driving while impaired is facing a staggering number of felony charges after allegedly plowing into a group of cyclists during a Saturday morning ride, killing one man and injuring at least 20 others before fleeing the scene.
The devastating crash occurred around 9:40 a.m. on November 7 along Optimist Farm Road near Talicud Trail in Wake County, about 15 miles southwest of Raleigh.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Donald Robert Morris-Jones, 76, of Apex, was driving a black Infiniti when he allegedly crossed the center line of the two-lane road and slammed into a group of approximately 30 bicyclists traveling in the opposite direction.
The cyclists were participating in a group ride with the Capital Cycling Club, a well-established organization whose members regularly travel the area’s roads together.
The impact left bicycles scattered along the roadway and riders desperately needing medical attention. Among those struck was Patrick Allen Turner, 63, of Cary, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Seven other cyclists suffered serious injuries, while at least 13 sustained less severe injuries, according to the Holly Springs Fire Department. Emergency crews transported victims to several hospitals, including WakeMed Raleigh, WakeMed Cary and UNC Health Holly Springs.
But the disturbing incident didn’t end with the initial collision.
Investigators said Morris-Jones continued driving after striking the cyclists, traveling approximately half a mile before veering off the left side of the road and crashing into a ditch.
He was subsequently taken into custody, and authorities announced that impairment was suspected to have played a role in the deadly crash.
Morris-Jones now faces a lengthy list of criminal charges, including felony death by vehicle, seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle and eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death.
He was also charged with driving while impaired, reckless driving and driving left of center.
The 76-year-old was booked into the Wake County Detention Center and held on a $1 million secured bond. His first court appearance was scheduled for Monday, November 9.
The crash prompted a massive emergency response, with firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers converging on the rural roadway.
Video from the scene showed numerous damaged bicycles stacked against a roadside guardrail as emergency workers tended to the injured and investigators examined the crash site.
The tragedy has shaken North Carolina’s cycling community, particularly because the victims were participating in an organized group ride on a familiar route.
Shaun King, board chair of the cycling advocacy organization Bike Durham, said the incident left riders across the region feeling vulnerable.
“We feel very vulnerable in this moment because this harm that our CCC community members are feeling right now could have happened to any of us,” King told ABC11.
King explained that organized cycling groups often ride in compact formations to improve visibility and reduce the time motorists need to pass them.
The deadly collision has renewed concerns about roadway safety and the dangers cyclists face even when traveling together.
Holly Springs Fire Chief LeRoy Smith urged drivers to remain alert around bicyclists and remember that they have the same right to use public roads as motorists.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed what substance, if any, may have impaired Morris-Jones. Authorities are continuing to reconstruct the crash and determine the circumstances that caused the vehicle to cross into the cyclists’ path.
As of Sunday, Morris-Jones remained in custody awaiting his first court appearance. The charges against him are allegations, and he has not been convicted.
For the family of Patrick Turner and the many cyclists recovering from their injuries, what began as an ordinary weekend ride has become a devastating tragedy that has left an entire community searching for answers.
Euthanize the old nut.