GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- At least one person was killed and five others taken to the hospital after a tractor trailer drove into a group of motorcycles parked along the side of Interstate 85 south in Greensboro, North Carolina Friday morning, according to North Carolina State Police.
Some of the victims of this violent motorcycle crash are from the Richmond area. The motorcyclist who was killed was from Maryland.
The names of the victims were officially released Saturday as family and friends talked about them on social media.
Motorcyclist #1: Stable Condition - Jerome D. Howard, 48, of Woodbridge, Va.
Motorcyclist #2: Critical Condition - Kenneth N. Jefferson, 51, South Chesterfield, Va.
Motorcyclist #3: Treated for minor injuries and released by Moses Cone Hospital. This was the only rider who was sitting on the bike at the time of the crash. Caroline Campbell, 48, of North Chesterfield, Va.
Motorcyclist #4: Injured/Treated – Michael A. Robinson Sr., 57, of Woodbridge, Va.
Motorcyclist #5: Deceased – Arnie M. Morris, 37, of Woodbridge Va.
Motorcyclist #6: Injured/Treated – Gregory D. Harmon, 44, of Bowie MD.
"One witness who observed the actual impact said the tractor trailer driver drifted from the middle southbound travel lane and went right off the road into all six motorcycles. One of the bikers who was standing on the shoulder of the road was killed instantly. Two other riders who were standing on the roadside were seriously injured. Three others, including the female who was sitting on her bike, were treated for minor injuries at Moses Cone Hospital," North Carolina State Trooper Christopher Knox said. "Based on evaluations, neither the tractor trailer driver or the co-driver were impaired on alcohol or drugs. The driver of the tractor trailer has been charged with Felony Hit & Run and Misdemeanor Death at the request of the ADA. At this point we think the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel."
Police said the big rig stopped about a half mile up the road because one of its tires was flattened in the crash.
The crash happened at about 6 a.m. Friday. Anyone with additional information can submit a news tip here.
