Family of bicyclist killed in Durham hit-and-run wants justice
DURHAM (WTVD) -- While cyclists in Durham are using a recent hit-and-run death to call for increased awareness on the roads, the victim's family is calling for justice.
Tony Turner, 56, was laid to rest earlier this week after he was hit and killed while riding his bike in Durham. His loss is one that has left his family stunned and grieving.
"They said he was just lying in the middle of the street, there was no one around, he had been knocked out of his shoes, out of his pants, he was just lying there stretched out on his back," said his brother, Roby A. Turner.
The hit-and-run happened on Nov. 15 around 8:30 p.m. Police got a 911 call from a passing motorist and when they arrived they found Turner's body in a lane of North Roxboro Street, with his battered bike nearby. What makes it even worse for his family; the driver who hit him simply kept going.
"I couldn't leave, I don't care if it was my fault, I couldn't leave nobody like that," his brother remarked.
Police are still trying to track down the driver of what they believe was a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with front end damage.
Sadly, this is one of three deaths involving cyclists in the area this year. Those deaths were recognized at a memorial ride in Durham Sunday. Before that ride, members of the group Bike Durham held a forum to discuss ways to improve safety for cyclists across the state - including educating both cyclists, the local city council and police department.
"We've been involved in that and we're actively involved in that because we believe there's more that can be done to protect cyclists," said the group's chairperson, Jack Warman.
Meanwhile, for Turner's family, they hope someone who knows something about his death will do the right thing and come forward to help give them closure.
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.
