Canton -- July 21, 2026: A 65-year-old Canton man has died following an early morning pedestrian collision along U.S. 276 in Haywood County.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol identified the victim as Michael Eric Taylor.
According to state troopers, the crash occurred around 4:38 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, on Pigeon Road near Hale Farm Road. As first reported by WLOS, Taylor was walking in the roadway when the driver of a northbound pickup truck spotted him and attempted to swerve out of the way.
Despite the driver's evasive maneuver, Taylor was struck by the bed of the truck and passed away from his injuries at the scene.
Investigating troopers reported that the section of road was dark and unlit at the time of the collision. The State Highway Patrol confirmed that no charges will be filed against the driver, as neither speed nor impairment are suspected as factors in the crash.