Wake County

Young motorcycle rider killed when his bike crossed median on Wade Avenue in Raleigh

A man died after crashing his motorcycle on Wade Avenue in Raleigh on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
A man died after crashing his motorcycle on Wade Avenue in Raleigh on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Getty Images/iStockphoto

A young man was killed after he lost control of his motorcycle on Wade Avenue on Tuesday evening and fell into oncoming traffic, according to Raleigh police.

Jacob Widelski was riding east on Wade at about 6:45 p.m. when he lost control in the curve near the Glenwood Avenue bridge and crossed the low concrete median, police said. Widelski’s Honda Fury motorcycle fell on its side and sideswiped two oncoming cars in the westbound lanes as it slid down the pavement.

Widelski, 21, was thrown from the bike. He owned Cowboy General Services, a landscaping company, according to his Facebook page.

Police have not said what might have caused Widelski to cross the median but say they’re still investigating. Wade Avenue was closed in both directions between Glenwood and Capital Boulevard for several hours after the crash.

Richard Stradling
The News & Observer
Richard Stradling covers transportation for The News & Observer. Planes, trains and automobiles, plus ferries, bicycles, scooters and just plain walking. He’s been a reporter or editor for 38 years, including the last 26 at The N&O. 919-829-4739, rstradling@newsobserver.com.
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