Roaring River – On Wednesday, August 26th, at approximately 10:52 a.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision involving a vehicle and bicyclist on Wilkes Yadkin Road near Mathis Farm Road, in Wilkes County.
A group of three bicyclists were traveling South on Wilkes Yadkin Road. David Crews Doyle, 67, of Wilkesboro, was leading the group on his bicycle. A 2013 Dodge Journey, operated by Michelle Lynn Schwartzbach, 41, of North Wilkesboro, was traveling South and began passing the bicyclists in a designated passing zone. As the Dodge Journey was passing the bicyclists, Mr. Doyle began turning left into the parking lot of Cranberry Baptist Church. The Dodge Journey collided with Mr. Doyle as he was turning. Mr. Doyle was pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of the collision.
The initial investigation does not indicate that impairment or speed were contributing factors in the collision. The operator of the Dodge Journey and the juvenile passenger were properly restrained at the time of the collision. Mr. Doyle was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
Wilkes Yadkin Road was closed in the area for approximately two hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.
The District Attorney’s Office was contacted and advised of the investigation. No charges will be filed.