Cycling Community Grieves Rider Killed in Apex Crash; Driver Charged
WHO:
WRAL - Capital Cycling Club President Tim Charlino said a black Infiniti clipped his saddlebag; he escaped “by inches” and heard the impact.
ABC11 News - Patrick Turner, 63, was killed in the crash. ABC11 identified him as a longtime member of the cycling community.
WRAL - Turner was from Cary. Paul Guthrie said he met Turner through Cycle NC and had gone bike-packing across Missouri with him two weeks before the crash. Guthrie described him as “a really enthusiastic, friendly, intelligent, positive guy.”
ABC11 News, WRAL - The driver was identified as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, 76, of Apex. He faces more than a dozen felony charges, including impaired driving or DWI and felony hit-and-run; ABC11 also reported a charge of felony death by vehicle.
ABC11 News - Dileep Dadlani, a longtime cyclist who joined Capital Cycling Club after moving to the Triangle, said the crash caused anger and sorrow across the cycling community.
WRAL - Capital Cycling Club member Lin Osbourne said he regularly rides with the group involved but was not riding with them that day. He said people close to him were safe.
WRAL - Shaun King of Bike Durham called the crash “a harrowing day for everyone in the cycling community.” Cycle NC and TeamCBC also issued statements or responses.
ABC11 News - Capital Cycling Club said Turner was a “strong, consistent, reliable and considerate rider” and thanked first responders for their rapid response and care.
WHAT:
WRAL - A judge kept Morris-Jones’ bond at $1 million. Prosecutors said he continued driving after striking the cyclists and was found after hitting a sign.
WRAL - Court statements said Morris-Jones had “very slurred speech,” was “swaying while standing,” and refused a preliminary breath test. Authorities reported smelling alcohol; his blood alcohol content was not disclosed in court.
WRAL - Seven cyclists suffered serious injuries and 13 minor injuries. Charlino said six remained hospitalized; their conditions were not immediately known.
WRAL - Morris-Jones faces seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle and eight counts of felony hit-and-run, in addition to felony death by vehicle, DWI and other traffic offenses. A judge said he could face up to 112 years in prison.
WRAL - If released, Morris-Jones would have to wear electronic monitoring and be prohibited from consuming alcohol or driving.
ABC11 News, WRAL - A vehicle struck a group of Capital Cycling Club cyclists during a group ride. Turner was killed; other cyclists were injured. WRAL reported 20 injured, while ABC11 reported multiple injuries and quoted Dadlani saying seven people were in the hospital.
ABC11 News - Authorities said Morris-Jones left the scene and crashed into a ditch about half a mile away. The club said it was working with law enforcement and would follow the case.
WRAL - TeamCBC canceled a scheduled ride in response to the crash. Bike Durham said Turner and other cyclists would be remembered at a candlelight vigil.
ABC11 News - Dadlani said he and his wife no longer ride on roads, citing increasingly busy roads and distracted drivers. He said he now trains on a stationary bicycle or mountain- and gravel-bikes.
WHERE:
ABC11 News - The collision occurred on Optimist Farm Road near Talicud Trail in Wake County, near Apex and Holly Springs, North Carolina.
WRAL - The crash occurred near Holly Springs. Morris-Jones was from Apex; Turner was from Cary.
ABC11 News - The Capital Cycling Club is based in the Triangle and has operated for more than 30 years.
WHEN:
WRAL - Morris-Jones’ next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 30.
WHY:
ABC11 News - Dadlani said he believed the crash could have been prevented and said the driver was apparently drinking and driving. The articles report allegations and charges, not a court finding.
ABC11 News - The cycling club said it believed the driver knew he had struck the group and chose to leave the scene.
HOW:
ABC11 News - The club said its Saturday rides use three groups, each with a designated pace, and that safety is a priority. Its annual Firecracker Ride supports the MS Society/Bike MS and has more than 500 participants.
WRAL - Osbourne said he adjusts the time he cycles to avoid heavy traffic. King urged drivers to pass cyclists patiently and safely.
ABC11 News - Dadlani said he was previously struck by a vehicle while training for a race and broke his collarbone.
(UPDATED November 10, 2026 07:00 UTC)
A car struck Capital Cycling Club riders near Apex, killing longtime cyclist Patrick Turner and injuring 20. The driver, Donald Robert Morris-Jones, faces felony charges, including impaired driving and leaving the scene. A judge kept his bond at $1 million; six injured cyclists remained hospitalized.
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(UPDATED November 9, 2026 23:01 UTC)
A vehicle struck Capital Cycling Club riders near Holly Springs, killing longtime cyclist Patrick Turner and injuring others. The driver faces felony charges, including impaired driving and hit-and-run. The crash has shaken the cycling community, and a vigil is planned.