News Summary
In Asheville, NC, two cyclists, Jacob Hill and Leonard Antonelli, lost their lives after being struck by a dump truck on NC-251. The incident, which occurred during a weekly cycling event, left a third cyclist with minor injuries. Local advocacy leaders are calling for heightened awareness and safety measures for cyclists on public roads. The tragic event emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by cyclists and the need for all road users to share the road responsibly.
Asheville, NC – Two cyclists were tragically killed on Tuesday, July 2, 2023, after being struck by a dump truck that veered into the opposite lane on NC-251 in Madison County. The deceased have been identified as Jacob Hill, 32, and Leonard Antonelli, 27, both residents of Asheville. A third cyclist involved in the incident sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The collision occurred around 6:42 PM while the group of cyclists was engaged in the weekly “Tuesday Night Worlds” ride, a popular cycling event that attracts local biking enthusiasts. NC-251 is favored by cyclists for its flat terrain, which offers ease of navigation for group rides. Witnesses reported that the dump truck unexpectedly crossed into oncoming traffic, resulting in the fatal accident.
The driver of the dump truck reportedly suffered minor injuries and left the scene following the collision. Currently, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, though details regarding potential charges have yet to be disclosed.
This unfortunate event prompted the closure of NC-251 for more than three hours, causing significant disruptions in the area. Local cyclists and advocacy leaders are now emphasizing the need for increased awareness and better safety measures for all road users. The local cycling community is mourning the loss of Hill and Antonelli, who were known to many as enthusiastic cyclists and pillars of the biking community.
In light of the incident, community members and leaders are calling for drivers to be more vigilant and respectful of cyclists’ rights to use public roads. Advocacy efforts are underway to enhance safety measures, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Officials are encouraging discussions around the importance of recognizing cyclists as individuals with lives beyond their biking activities.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and risks faced by cyclists on public roads, underscoring the need for an increased emphasis on shared road safety. Those who frequent NC-251 and similar routes are urged to remain conscious of their surroundings and to understand that road safety is a collective responsibility. With efforts focused on community awareness and safety initiatives, the hope is that such devastating accidents can be averted in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Cyclists Die in Crash
- WLOS: Asheville Cycling Community Mourns
- Daily Progress: Local News on Cyclist Deaths
- Google Search: Cyclist Safety Measures
- WLOS: Gallery of Cyclist Crash
