ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Local News Wire) – A man died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash on I-40 West on July 6.
According to the Asheville Police Department, officers responded to the scene near the 49-mile marker at approximately 3:28 p.m. Witnesses reported that 49-year-old Robert Franklin Owen III was riding a 2005 Honda motorcycle when he left the roadway, struck a guardrail, and was ejected.
Authorities said Owen sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital for treatment. He succumbed to his injuries on July 17.
The Traffic Safety Unit is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident.
This incident marks the fourth motorcycle fatality in Asheville in 2026.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110 or submit an anonymous tip via the TIP2APD app.
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