News Summary
Nearly 200 cyclists and community members gathered to remember Jake Hill and Lennie Antonelli, who lost their lives in a dump truck accident. The emotional memorial included heartfelt eulogies and reflections on their lives, showcasing the community’s solidarity in mourning. Both men were celebrated for their contributions to the local cycling scene, with a call to remember them and support one another in grief.
Marshall – Nearly 200 cyclists and community members gathered Sunday to honor Jake Hill and Lennie Antonelli, two cyclists who tragically lost their lives in a dump truck accident on N.C. 251 last Tuesday. The emotional memorial bike ride was complemented by a service that featured 90 minutes of heartfelt eulogies attended by hundreds at Liberty Bikes, a prominent local cycling shop.
The fatal incident occurred when a dump truck, driven by Cody Monday, reportedly crossed the center line, striking both Hill, aged 32, and Antonelli, aged 27. Their untimely deaths have shaken the local cycling community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support from friends, family, and fellow cyclists.
Liberty Bikes co-owner Sam White, who has organized memorial rides since 1985, expressed the profound tragedy of the loss felt by the tight-knit community. He stated that while Hill and Antonelli may physically be gone, their memories will continue to be cherished by their loved ones and supporters.
During the memorial, attendees shared stories and celebrated the lives of both men. Antonelli was remembered fondly by his aunt, who shared how he had found a sense of belonging and happiness in Asheville after moving there to pursue his cycling passion. Prior to working at Liberty Bikes for four years, Antonelli was an accountant, a career he left behind to follow his dream of cycling. His dedication to the sport was highlighted by teammate Griffin Tichenor, who noted Antonelli’s strength and intelligence on the bike. Tichenor, who was riding with Hill and Antonelli at the time of the accident, sustained only minor injuries and recalled that Antonelli had recently won their last race together two weeks prior.
During the memorial service, Pete Hill, Jake’s father, took a moment to encourage attendees to hold onto their memories of Jake and to take care of one another—an important reminder in the face of such a devastating loss. The gathering at Liberty Bikes, which commenced at 3 p.m. and was open to family, coworkers, and the wider community, provided a space for all to process their grief collectively.
As investigations into the incident continue, there have been no charges filed against the dump truck driver. Liberty Bicycles described the loss of Antonelli, a beloved team member, as a tragic event that has deeply affected the community.
This memorial reflects not only the sorrow over the loss of two vibrant lives but also showcases the strength and resilience of a community united in mourning and remembrance. The lives of Jake Hill and Lennie Antonelli will not be forgotten, as their impact on their friends and community may last much longer than their time on earth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memorial Service for Cyclists Lost in Tragic Accident
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Liberty Bikes Honors Cyclists
- World Atlas: Bike-Friendly Towns in North Carolina
- Blue Ridge Outdoors: New North Carolina Bike Park
- Legacy: James Shearon Obituary
- Wikipedia: Cycling Safety
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
