Cycling Tragedy in Madison County Sparks Renewed Plea for Driver Caution and Roadway Respect

Madison County, North Carolina — July 2, 2025 — According to ABC 13 News, a devastating collision involving a dump truck and three cyclists along a popular cycling route has left the local biking community in mourning and renewed calls for heightened awareness among drivers.

A group of cyclists was traveling along NC-251 near the French Broad River—a scenic route well-known among Western North Carolina riders—when a dump truck reportedly veered across the center line, striking three of the cyclists. Two riders, identified as 32-year-old Jacob Hill and 27-year-old Leonard Antonelli, both from Asheville, were killed. A third cyclist, whose identity has not been publicly released, survived with minor injuries, along with the driver of the truck.

The cycling community is grieving and reeling from the sudden loss, especially those familiar with the “Tuesday Night Worlds” ride—a weekly tradition that draws dozens of cyclists to NC-251 for its relatively flat terrain and group-friendly conditions.

Youngblood Haske, owner of Youngblood Bicycles and a regular participant in the weekly ride, shared how the crash shook the close-knit riding community.

“This is a deep loss for all of us,” Haske said. “As soon as I heard, I started checking on everyone who usually rides. We’re all just trying to process what happened.”

Haske, who chose not to ride that evening due to inclement weather, said he personally knew both cyclists who were killed.

“It hits hard. These were friends, not just fellow riders,” he said. “It reminds us how exposed we really are out there. This could’ve happened to anyone.”

Haske emphasized that NC-251 is a favorite among cyclists because it is one of the few stretches in the area that allows groups to ride together without constant elevation changes.

“It’s one of the only flat roads we have here,” he explained. “It’s ideal for staying together as a group—sometimes you’ll see 20 people riding in a pack.”

According to authorities, the dump truck crossed the road and then struck the cyclists. While crashes like this are not frequent, riders and advocates are urging the public to treat the tragedy not as an isolated event, but a solemn reminder of the responsibilities that come with sharing the road.

“People are legally allowed to walk, ride bikes, or even operate tractors on public roads,” Haske added. “Drivers are required to provide at least four feet of space when passing a cyclist—and yes, you can legally cross the double yellow if the opposite lane is clear. Courtesy and awareness save lives.”

Mike Sule, executive director of Asheville on Bikes, echoed those sentiments, calling for meaningful change in how public roadways are used and understood.

“Our roads are public spaces, just like parks,” Sule said. “They’re designed for everyone, not just motor vehicles. And if you’re on a road that sees regular cycling traffic, it should never be a surprise to encounter someone on a bike.”

With cycling remaining a popular and growing activity in Western North Carolina, Sule said the conversation must move beyond treating crashes as unfortunate incidents and start addressing systemic safety issues.

“Speed, attention, and the ability to anticipate other road users are critical,” Sule said. “This crash should prompt reflection and action. These weren’t just ‘cyclists.’ They were sons, friends, neighbors—people with futures that were taken too soon.”

Both Sule and Haske hope this tragedy will motivate city officials and state lawmakers to examine road designs, increase driver education, and implement measures that protect all users of public roadways.

“It’s time to ask hard questions about how we prioritize safety,” Sule added. “We owe it to Jacob and Leonard—and everyone who shares the road—to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”’

Our thoughts are with the friends, family, and loved ones of those killed.

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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.