A 55-year-old motorcyclist died early Saturday morning in a collision with a deer on U.S. 701 south of Whiteville, North Carolina.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on September 26. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Terry Walker was traveling north when his Harley-Davidson struck the deer near Beaverdam Road, leading to an overturn and skidding off the highway.
A female passenger was also thrown from the motorcycle during the incident. Both were transported to nearby hospitals, where Walker was pronounced dead. The condition of the passenger has not been disclosed, but authorities indicated she is expected to recover. Her identity remains unknown.
Authorities noted that the speed limit in the area is 55 mph, and the highway is poorly illuminated. A dead deer was located at the scene of the accident.
Walker resided in Whiteville, approximately 115 miles south of downtown Raleigh. A benefit ride is planned for October 10 to assist Walker’s family with medical expenses, according to a Facebook post by organizers.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.