Asheville -- July 7, 2026: A motorcyclist has died following a late-night collision in south Asheville, and authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
According to the Asheville Police Department, officers responded to a collision involving serious injuries in the 1700 block of Hendersonville Road at approximately 10:43 p.m. on July 1.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a group of motorcycles was traveling north on Hendersonville Road at a high rate of speed when one of the motorcycles entered the intersection and collided with a passenger vehicle that was turning east onto Turtle Creek Drive.
The impact caused the motorcyclist to be ejected from the motorcycle. The rider was identified as Subastion James Samuel Cruz-Galyon, born July 8, 2005.
Emergency responders transported Cruz-Galyon to Mission Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police said his next of kin has been notified.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Once investigators complete their work, the Asheville Police Department will consult with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office regarding the findings.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone application by searching for "Asheville PD" in your device's app store or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
The Asheville Police Department has not released any additional information as the investigation continues.