Motorcyclist killed in Fayetteville wreck identified as Fort Bragg soldier
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- A 22-year-old man was killed Saturday after losing control of his motorcycle on Martin Luther King Jr. Freeway in Fayetteville.
Police said it happened around 1:15 a.m. on the southbound lanes between Robeson Street and Gillespie Street.
The motorcyclist, Jesus Rios, lost control while travelling outbound and crashed. Rios was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center where he died.
Officials said he was an 82nd Airborne Division soldier. Rios was from Oklahoma and was an automated logistical specialist assigned to 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of our team," said Lt. Col. Shane Finison, commander of the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion. "Spc. Rios was a stellar Trooper. Our thoughts and prayers are with his Family and friends during this difficult time."
Fayetteville officers were told a silver Cadillac was in the area at the time of the crash, and are requesting that the driver and/or occupants of that vehicle contact police with any information.
Rios deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom from August to December 2014.
Rios's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.
Anyone with information regarding the traffic crash is asked to contact Officers with the Fayetteville Police Department's Traffic Unit at (910) 433-1830 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).
Crimestoppers information can also be submitted electronically, by visiting http://fay-nccrimestoppers.org and completing the anonymous online tip sheet or by text-a-tip on your mobile device by sending a message to 274637 (in the text box type "4Tip" followed by your message).
