Cyclists in hospital after being hit by car in Angier
ANGIER, N.C. (WTVD) -- Four experienced cyclists are being treated at WakeMed Hospital after authorities say they were thrown from their bikes after being hit by a driver.
The collision happened Saturday afternoon around 2:45 p.m. on Massengil Pond Road near Sue Drive.
Highway Patrol said two of the victims suffered head injuries.
The victims were listed in the following conditions at WakeMed:
Joel Lawrence, stable
Lynn Lashley, critical
Christopher Graham, stable
Mike Dayton, critical
The group was out on a 124-mile ride. Dayton is a well-known cyclist. He spent years on Raleigh's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.
The accident shocked many in the biking community.
"I'm worried about my friends and how they are, and how badly they're injured," said Jerry Phelps. "All four of them are fantastic cyclists, very experienced. I'm guessing between the four of them they have a quarter of a million miles of riding together."
Highway Patrol said the victims were hit from behind by 50-year-old Donnie Williams.
"It happened so quick," said Williams, as she was sobbing on the side of the road soon after the accident.
The entire right side of her windshield was smashed in.
Williams told ABC11 that when she saw the cyclists there was another car coming in the opposite direction and there wasn't room to move over. Authorities said the the four cyclists were riding in a single-file line.
"It started in the middle of the road right there and then I pulled up here to get out of the road," said Williams.
"Why didn't she slow down? Why did she try to pass when it wasn't safe. The two seconds she would have saved passing them wasn't worth it. Just absolutely not worth it," said Phelps.
The Highway Patrol said all the victims were wearing reflective gear as they were riding.
Charges are pending against Williams but authorities said alcohol and speed were not factors.
