The victim, identified as 80-year-old Stephen Murray Nussbaum, was operating a tan 2014 Harley Davidson Tri-Glide heading north when the vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a guardrail.
First responders transported Nussbaum to Pardee Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced deceased at 4:04 p.m.
Investigation Findings
Investigating officers noted several key factors regarding the collision:
Safety Compliance: Nussbaum was wearing a DOT-approved helmet at the time of the crash.
No Foul Play: Speed, alcohol, and drug impairment have been explicitly ruled out as contributing factors.
Medical Cause: Authorities believe Nussbaum suffered a medical emergency while driving, leading to the loss of control.
Due to the nature of the accident and the lack of external factors, the Highway Patrol does not anticipate further investigation into the crash.
WNCTimes