A 76-year-old man accused of driving into a group of cyclists near Holly Springs, North Carolina, appeared virtually in court Monday as a judge set his bond at $1 million following a collision that killed one rider and injured several others.
Donald Robert Morris-Jones faces 19 criminal charges, including felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death and felony death by vehicle. The charges stem from the crash on Optimist Farm Road near Holly Springs on Saturday morning, November 7, 2026.
According to court documents, Morris-Jones allegedly drove into a large group of cyclists, sending multiple riders to hospitals and killing Patrick Allen Turner, 63, of Cary. At least six people were reportedly transported to hospitals for treatment.
A North Carolina State Highway Patrol report states that Morris-Jones continued driving after striking the cyclists before eventually crashing his black Infiniti. He was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
During Monday’s virtual court hearing, the judge set Morris-Jones’ bond at $1 million and described him as “an overwhelming danger to society,” despite what the court characterized as an apparent lack of criminal history. If released, he could be required to wear an electronic monitoring device. If convicted, he could face more than 90 years in prison.
Cycling Community Mourns Patrick Turner
The collision has deeply affected the local cycling community, particularly members of the Capital Cycling Club, whose riders were involved in Saturday’s group ride.
Several club members attended Monday’s hearing to support one another and remember Turner. Tim Charlino, who said he was leading the ride, described how narrowly he avoided being struck.
“I was pretty lucky. I escaped by inches,” Charlino said.
He recalled stopping after the collision and seeing the aftermath, describing a scene of damaged bicycles and injured riders.
“We’re here to support each other, to support our friends, and for the larger cycling community. I think primarily at this point, we want answers,” he said.
Katie Hamister, who was struck while cycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2019, said news of the crash brought back memories of her own traumatic experience.
“When I was flying through the air and I didn’t know if I was going to live or die,” she recalled.
Hamister said cyclists want to enjoy their rides and return safely to their families. She also expressed hope that Morris-Jones would receive the maximum sentence if convicted.
As the investigation and court proceedings continue, the crash has renewed concerns about cyclist safety and left members of the community grieving the loss of Patrick Turner.
Morris-Jones remains accused, and the charges against him have not been proven in court. Thoughts are with Turner’s family, the injured cyclists, and everyone affected by the tragedy.
