NCSHP searches for driver after Orange Co hit and run leaves cyclist hospitalized

The N.C. State Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a hit and run in Orange County that occurred Saturday evening, where two cyclists were injured and one remains hospitalized with severe injuries.

The collision occurred around 7 p.m. on N.C. 751 near U.S. 70 between a vehicle that the Highway Patrol has identified as a pewter 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling northbound and two cyclists traveling southbound. One of the cyclists is Marc Maximov, a 56-year-old Durham resident and board member of Bike Durham.

Both were taken to Duke University Hospital after the crash. The other cyclist, a 27-year-old Duke University graduate student, is expected to undergo a lengthy recovery after suffering what his girlfriend described as “life-altering” injuries.

The News & Observer is not identifying the cyclist or the girlfriend at the request of his loved ones.

Maximov was discharged Sunday morning after being treated for major bruising and swelling in his left arm and a cut to his right knee. He returned to the hospital Tuesday after worsening symptoms in the arm and said he was informed that he had a small fracture.

The driver, who has not been identified, fled the scene following the crash and traveled toward Durham County, according to Highway Patrol investigators. Investigators obtained surveillance photos of the suspect at around 7:30 p.m. Saturday getting a tire changed at a tire shop in Durham on the corner of Old Oxford and Danube.

They said the suspect’s last known location was Saturday at 8 p.m. driving west on Carver Street at N. Roxboro Raod in Durham.

Investigators said the tire on the Tahoe “was flat prior or significantly low prior to the collision based upon the physical evidence on the roadway.”

‘Like this person was coming to hit us’

Maximov and his friend were about halfway through their ride Saturday and heading back toward central Durham. The two met through Durham Bike Co-op and rode together several times before.

Maximov said he rode in front while the other cyclist followed behind him in single-file formation when the vehicle crossed the center line and into their lane.

“It just felt like this person was coming to hit us,” Maximov said.

Maximov recalled quickly swerving to the right before being struck by what he believes was the vehicle’s driver-side mirror, which he found below his bicycle after hitting the ground. Maximov said he got up, moved his bicycle off the road and called 911. He felt pain in his knee and thought his left arm was broken, but he said the shock of the impact masked much of the pain he was feeling.

He added that his friend was hit head-on and was unconscious after being hit. The vehicle continued driving and did not stop, according to Maximov.

“In a split second our pleasant bike ride had turned into a nightmare,” Maximov said.

Condition of hospitalized cyclist

Since the crash, the second cyclist has remained under medical care. His loved ones said doctors told them he could spend weeks, and potentially months, recovering in the hospital, including time in rehab. He is also expected to undergo multiple surgeries in the coming week.

His girlfriend said he’s continuing to push through the severity of his injuries.

“The doctors and nurses pretty much said the fact that he’s so fit and so strong and so healthy is the only reason he’s alive,” his girlfriend said.

Highway Patrol is actively investigating the incident and searching for the driver involved in the crash.

If you have information related to the hit and run, contact the Highway Patrol district office in Orange County at 919-732-2551 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or the 24/7 communications center at 336-334-5500.

This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 6:11 PM.