Asheville, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Asheville police are investigating several motorcycle crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, including a recent incident on Smokey Park Highway. Authorities seek witnesses to these accidents, urging those with information to come forward. Preliminary findings indicate collisions involving vehicles making left turns, leading to tragic outcomes for the motorcyclists involved. Further investigations emphasize the importance of community support in resolving the circumstances surrounding these incidents.
Asheville – Asheville police are currently investigating a series of motorcycle crashes that have resulted in several serious injuries and fatalities. The most recent incident occurred on Monday morning at approximately 5:50 a.m. on Smokey Park Highway at the Interstate 40 West on-ramp. Authorities are seeking witnesses to this collision as part of their ongoing investigation.
According to preliminary findings, a westbound motorcyclist collided with a Jeep Liberty that was making a left turn onto the I-40 west on-ramp. The motorcyclist was found unresponsive at the scene and was subsequently transported to Mission Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Jeep Liberty remained at the scene following the accident to cooperate with the investigation.
The Asheville Police Department is urging anyone who witnessed the accident or has additional information to reach out. Witnesses can provide information by texting TIP2APD to 847411 or using the TIP2APD smartphone app. They can also call Asheville police directly at (828) 252-1110.
In a separate incident on April 1, another motorcycle crash occurred around 2:24 p.m. near the 320 block of New Leicester Highway. In that crash, a 2008 Honda VT750C Shadow motorcycle, operated by 68-year-old Norman Lawrence Murray, was involved in a collision with a 2014 Toyota Scion that made a left turn from New Leicester Highway. Murray sustained critical injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on April 2. Following the incident, 66-year-old Lisa Gonce Payne was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to yield while making a left turn. She turned herself in and was released with a written promise to appear in court.
Another tragic accident took place shortly before 3 p.m. on Saturday near the 1800 block of Hendersonville Road. The motorcyclist involved was identified as 44-year-old Brandon Scott Owenby, who was riding a Kawasaki motorcycle. Owenby was struck by a vehicle when the driver made a left turn onto Hendersonville Road, leading to a collision. Owenby, who celebrated his birthday just days before the incident, died at Mission Hospital three days post-accident. The driver, 44-year-old Stephen Michael Poandl, has been charged in connection with this crash. Poandl also turned himself in and was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $20,000 unsecured bond before being released.
As investigations continue into these incidents, police emphasize the importance of community involvement in reporting any information that may assist in clarifying the circumstances surrounding these accidents.
Recent Motorcycle Accident Summary
| Date | Location | Motorcyclist | Injuries/Fatalities | Driver Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 3 | Smokey Park Highway and I-40 West On-Ramp | Unknown | Serious injuries | None |
| April 1 | 320 Block, New Leicester Highway | Norman Lawrence Murray | Fatal | Misdemeanor death by vehicle; failure to yield |
| March 30 | 1800 Block, Hendersonville Road | Brandon Scott Owenby | Fatal | Pending |
FAQ
What happened in the motorcycle crash on Smokey Park Highway?
A motorcyclist collided with a Jeep Liberty that was making a left turn onto the I-40 west on-ramp. The motorcyclist was seriously injured and taken to Mission Hospital.
What other motorcycle crashes have occurred recently in Asheville?
A motorcycle crash on April 1 involved Norman Lawrence Murray, who later died from his injuries, leading to charges against Lisa Gonce Payne. Additionally, Brandon Scott Owenby died from injuries sustained in a crash on March 30, and another driver, Stephen Michael Poandl, is facing charges related to that incident.
How can witnesses provide information to the police?
Witnesses can text TIP2APD to 847411, use the TIP2APD smartphone app, or call Asheville police at (828) 252-1110.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Motorcycle Crash in Asheville Claims Life of Local Rider
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Asheville Motorcycle Crash Witnesses Needed
- WSPA: Asheville Police Seek Information on Early Morning Motorcycle Crash
- WLOS: Motorcyclist Dies in New Leicester Highway Crash
- Fox Carolina: Fatal Crash Involving Motorcycle Closes I-40 East
- Google Search: Asheville Motorcycle Crash
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE 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.
