One cyclist was killed and as many as 20 others were injured Saturday morning when a car crossed the center line and struck a large group of riders on a rural road in Wake County, North Carolina, according to state troopers and local reports. The driver, a 76-year-old man, is in custody and has been charged with impaired driving and multiple felonies.
The crash happened around 9:30 to 9:40 a.m. on Optimist Farm Road near Talicud Trail, in the area of Holly Springs and Apex south of Raleigh. Roughly 30 cyclists riding with the Cary-based Capital Cycling Club were heading east when a black Infiniti traveling west crossed into their lane and hit multiple riders, ABC11 reported, citing the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
What we know about the victims
The cyclist who died was identified as Patrick Turner, 63, of Cary, according to WRAL, as cited by The News & Observer. He died at the scene.
Seven riders were seriously injured and taken to WakeMed Raleigh, WakeMed Cary and UNC Health Holly Springs. The News & Observer reported that about 13 more riders with less serious injuries were carried by a Wake County EMS bus. Early counts varied as information came in: WRAL first reported at least 10 people hurt, while fire officials quoted in a later WRAL report said at least 20 were injured.
According to The News & Observer, officials said the cyclists were riding downhill on a curved section of the road when they were struck.
Driver faces 19 charges
The Highway Patrol identified the driver as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, 76, of Apex, ABC11 reported. Troopers said they suspect impairment was a factor.
According to ABC11, Morris-Jones faces 19 charges in all:
- One count of driving while impaired
- One count of driving left of center
- One count of reckless driving
- Eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death
- Seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle
- One count of felony death by vehicle
ABC11 reported that after the crash the car left the scene, ran off the road and ended up in a ditch about half a mile away. Early reports had described the driver as remaining at the scene, and the details of what happened after the impact may become clearer as the investigation continues. The charges are accusations, and Morris-Jones is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney.
A popular weekend route
The Capital Cycling Club describes itself as one of the oldest clubs of its kind in North Carolina, The News & Observer reported. It holds regular Wednesday and Saturday rides, including Saturday loops from Apex to Angier and back. Two of those routes run nearly 70 miles, and one uses about two miles of Optimist Farm Road.
Optimist Farm Road was closed for several hours while troopers investigated. The News & Observer reported that it had reopened by early afternoon.
Why it matters for families
Group rides like this one are a common weekend activity for families, retirees and fitness groups across the country, and they often use quiet two-lane country roads. Saturday’s crash is a reminder of a few basics that help everyone share the road safely:
- Drivers should slow down on curves and hills where cyclists may be hard to see, and give riders plenty of room when passing.
- Never drive after drinking or while impaired by any substance, including some prescription medications. If you are unsure whether a medication affects driving, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Families with older relatives may want to have an honest, respectful conversation about driving safety if there are concerns.
- Cyclists can improve visibility with bright clothing and lights, even during the day.
Road safety has been in the news in other ways this week, too, including a GM recall of more than 67,000 electric vehicles over a brake software issue.
What to watch next
Investigators are expected to release more information about the crash, the condition of the injured riders and the driver’s first court appearance. Upstormed News will follow this story and update readers as details are confirmed.
Read more: Man arrested near White House with three guns is held without bond
What do you think would make country roads safer for cyclists and drivers? Tell us in the comments.
Sources: ABC11 via Yahoo News, “Driver charged with multiple felonies after cyclist killed, several injured in Wake Co. crash” (November 7, 2026); ABC11, “1 killed, 7 injured after vehicle strikes group of bicyclists in Wake County” (November 7, 2026); The News & Observer via Yahoo News, “1 killed, 7 taken to hospital after car hits bicycles. Driver charged with DWI.” (November 7, 2026); WRAL, “Several injured in bicycle crash” (November 7, 2026); WRAL via WNEM, “Officials: 1 dead, 20 injured in crash with cyclists” (November 7, 2026).
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