APEX, N.C. (WPTF) – A first court appearance is scheduled Monday for an Apex man facing a series of felony charges in connection with a crash that left one cyclist dead, and a number of others hurt.
76-year-old Donald Robert Morris-Jones, of Apex, is being held on a combined $1 million bond in connection with the crash on Saturday morning (Nov. 7).
The State Highway Patrol reports a driver crossed the center line in his vehicle early Saturday morning on Optimist Farm Road in Holly Springs striking a group of bicyclists with the Capital Cycling Club.
63-year-old Patrick Turner died and 20 others were hurt.
On Facebook, Cycle NC issued this statement:
“Today, our cycling community is heartbroken.
Yesterday morning, we learned of a tragic incident involving members of the Capital Cycling Club, and the loss of one of our Cycle NC riders makes this tragedy hit especially close to home.
At Cycle NC, we are brought together by a shared love of cycling, the friendships formed along the miles, and the incredible sense of community that connects riders from across our state. Losing a member of that community is something we feel deeply.
Our hearts are with Patrick’s family and friends, as well as everyone else involved and impacted by this tragedy. We cannot begin to imagine the pain and shock they are experiencing. Please take care of one another, look out for your fellow cyclists, and hold your cycling friends a little closer.”
The Capital Cycling Club is known as one of the oldest cycling clubs in the state.