Wake County Sheriff’s Office reported that Donald Robert Morris‑Jones, 76, was operating a vehicle on Optimist Farm Road Saturday morning when he crossed the center line and collided with a group of cyclists traveling on the road. The incident occurred about 14 miles southwest of Raleigh.
Police response and investigation
North Carolina State Highway Patrol officers arrived on the scene shortly after 9:30 a.m. They confirmed that the driver continued past the cyclists, left the roadway, and ultimately came to rest in a ditch roughly a half‑mile away.
Authorities took Morris‑Jones into custody and booked him on a charge of driving while impaired. The sheriff’s office said impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash, though the investigation is ongoing.
Casualties
The collision resulted in one fatality among the cyclists. At least twelve other cyclists sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. Several of the injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of families.
Community impact
The crash has raised concerns among local cycling groups about road safety and the need for increased enforcement of impaired‑driving laws. Riders and community leaders are urging officials to consider additional safety measures on rural roadways where cyclists share the road with motor vehicles.
State and local officials have reiterated their commitment to protecting all road users and emphasized that impaired driving will continue to be prosecuted aggressively.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
