VILAS, N.C – A bicyclist has died following a collision on US 421 in Watauga County Saturday night, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Troopers say the crash occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m. on Sept. 6 near Vanderpool Road and involved a 2003 Ford F-250 and an electric bicycle.
The bicyclist, identified as 39-year-old Joseph Clyde Butler of Vilas, was traveling south when he was struck from behind by the Ford, which investigators say failed to adequately reduce speed. Butler was ejected from the bicycle and suffered critical injuries. He was transported to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, where he died the following day, Sunday, Sept. 7. Authorities noted that Butler was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Ford, 58-year-old David Bruce Woodring of Boone, was not injured. Investigators cited excessive speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
The roadway remained closed for about three hours as troopers conducted the on-scene investigation. Charges are pending consultation with the Watauga County District Attorney’s Office.
Leave a Reply