CNN report · November 7, 2026
A driver suspected of being impaired struck a group of cyclists on a road in Wake County, North Carolina, killing one person and injuring 22 others, according to authorities. The crash happened on Saturday morning, November 7, near Raleigh. KVIA+1
What happened?
The collision occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Optimist Farm Road, about 14 miles southwest of Raleigh. A black passenger car crossed the center line and struck a group of approximately 30 cyclists riding together. The car then continued down the road before leaving the roadway and crashing into a ditch roughly half a mile away, according to authorities. KVIA+2
The cyclist who died was identified as Patrick Allen Turner, 63, of Cary, North Carolina. The Holly Springs fire chief told CNN that seven injured people were taken to trauma centers and 15 others were transported to local hospitals. KESQ+1
Driver and charges
Authorities identified the driver as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, 76, of Apex, North Carolina. Investigators suspect impairment played a role in the crash.
He faces multiple charges, including:
- Felony death by vehicle.
- Seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle.
- Eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death.
- Driving while impaired.
- Reckless driving and driving left of center.
He was being held on a $1 million bond. Reports said he was scheduled to appear in court on November 9; I could not verify the outcome of that appearance. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. KIFI+2
Injury-count note: CNN’s report gives 22 injured. Some local reports describe approximately 20 injured, so the figures differ between reports.
A devastating crash in Wake County, North Carolina, left one cyclist dead and 22 others injured after a car struck a group of cyclists on Saturday morning, November 7.
Authorities identified the victim as Patrick Allen Turner, 63, of Cary.
The driver, Donald Robert Morris-Jones, 76, was taken into custody and faces multiple felony charges. Investigators suspect impairment may have contributed to the crash.
The incident has shaken the local cycling community.
📍 Wake County, North Carolina
📅 November 7, 2026
🚲 1 dead · 22 injured
🔗 Source: CNN
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/11/07/us/north-carolina-cyclists-crash-wake-county
#NorthCarolina #Cycling #TrafficSafety #USNews #CNN
CNN report · November 7, 2026
