Last Updated on August 27, 2026 6:04 am
Two fatal traffic crashes in Wilkes County within the past week are under investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Roaring River bicyclist killed, Aug. 26
A Wilkesboro man was killed Wednesday when he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near Roaring River. David Crews Doyle, 67, was leading a group of three cyclists south on Wilkes Yadkin Road near Mathis Farm Road when he turned left into the parking lot of Cranberry Baptist Church and was struck by a 2013 Dodge Journey.
The Dodge, driven by 41-year-old Michelle Lynn Schwartzbach of North Wilkesboro, had been passing the group of cyclists in a designated passing zone at the time of the collision, according to the Highway Patrol. Doyle died at the scene. He was wearing a helmet. Neither impairment nor excessive speed is believed to be a factor; Schwartzbach and a juvenile passenger in her vehicle were both wearing seat belts.
The road was closed for approximately two hours while troopers investigated. The district attorney's office has been notified, and no charges have been filed.
North Wilkesboro motorcyclist killed, Aug. 20
Five days earlier, a Cooleemee motorcyclist died in a three-vehicle crash on NC 115 near Laurel Ridge Drive in North Wilkesboro. Johnny Lee Jordan, 73, rear-ended a stopped Toyota Corolla around 3:56 p.m. Aug. 20, then crossed the center line and struck a Jeep Gladiator.
Jordan was ejected from his motorcycle and died at the scene. The driver of the Toyota, 73-year-old Queenie Johnson Transeau of North Wilkesboro, suffered minor injuries. No charges have been filed in connection with the crash.
Both incidents remain under investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol's Troop F.
