Crime

Young motorcyclist killed in crash on Raleigh’s Six Forks Road. Driver faces charges.

State Troopers responded to a crash on Six Forks Road at Mt. Vernon Church Road in North Raleigh after a man was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle on Dec. 20, 2022.
State Troopers responded to a crash on Six Forks Road at Mt. Vernon Church Road in North Raleigh after a man was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle on Dec. 20, 2022. AP

A 28-year-old motorcycle rider was fatally struck by a car Monday evening on a busy road in North Raleigh.

The State Highway Patrol responded to the rush-hour crash on Six Forks Road at Mt. Vernon Church Road at 5:49 p.m.

Jacob Thomas of Raleigh was killed in the collision, according to Sgt. M.D. Williams.

He was traveling south on the road when he was hit by a woman driving her car north and trying to make a left turn, Williams said.

Thomas, who was wearing a helmet and reflective clothing, died at the scene.

The driver, identified as Linda Raye Strahl, 71, of Raleigh suffered minor injuries and was taken into custody after the crash.

She was charged with a misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, which is a Class A1 charge that can result in up to 150 days in jail and fines, and failure to yield the right of way.

Williams said speed was not a factor in the crash and that neither Thomas nor the driver were under the influence at the time of the crash.

This is a developing story that will be updated as we get more information.

This story was originally published December 20, 2022 at 12:47 PM.

Kristen Johnson
The News & Observer
Kristen Johnson is a local government reporter covering Durham for The News & Observer. She previously covered Cary and western Wake County. Prior to coming home to the Triangle, she reported for The Fayetteville Observer and spent time covering politics and culture in Washington, D.C. She is an alumna of UNC at Charlotte and American University. 
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