Apex man faces felony charges after hitting cyclists on Optimist Farm Road
A 76-year-old driver left the scene of a crash that killed one rider and injured several others, prompting a wave of anger among local cycling groups.
By Sarah Reynolds ·
A cyclist died in a morning crash on Optimist Farm Road near Talicud Trail in Wake County.
The accident occurred on Saturday when a vehicle struck a group of riders from the Capital Cycling Club. Patrick Turner, 63, was killed in the collision. Seven other people were hospitalized, and authorities said 30 individuals were affected by the incident.
The driver, Donald Robert Morris-Jones, 76, of Apex, fled the scene. Investigators say he drove about half a mile before his car went into a ditch. He now faces more than a dozen felony charges. The list includes driving while impaired, felony hit and run involving serious injury or death, and one count of felony death by vehicle.
Dileep Dadlani has been a member of the Capital Cycling Club since 2008. He describes the group as exceptionally safety-conscious. He says the members look out for one another and follow the rules of the road. Dadlani said the community reacted with immediate anger and sorrow upon hearing the news.
Dadlani believes the crash was preventable because the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. He expressed frustration that a life was lost and many were injured due to negligence. He noted that the driver should not have been behind the wheel.
The incident reminded Dadlani of a previous accident in which he was struck by a vehicle while training. He broke his collarbone in that crash. He described the sensation of smelling the engine and seeing a spinning belt while lying beneath the car.
Since that accident, Dadlani has focused on safety when choosing riding groups. He and his wife have stopped riding on public roads due to increasing traffic. They now train on a stationary bike in their garage or ride on trails and gravel paths.
Dadlani says drivers are more distracted by phones and technology than in the past. He believes cyclists have a duty to obey traffic laws and share the road responsibly. He hopes drivers will reciprocate by slowing down and paying attention.
A memorial was set up at the crash site for Patrick Turner. Morris-Jones is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
