WILKES COUNTY, N.C. (THECOUNT) — Winston Jahleel Poe, of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, has been identified as the victim in a fatal motorcycle crash Tuesday night in Wilkes County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Poe was 22.
The crash occurred at approximately 9:57 p.m. on May 5 along Mountain Valley Church Road near Cora Caudill Road in Wilkes County. Authorities said Poe was operating a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 motorcycle traveling westbound at the time of the incident.
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According to troopers, the motorcycle traveled off the right side of the roadway while navigating a curve. Investigators said the bike then struck a guardrail and overturned.
The force of the crash ejected Poe across the guardrail, resulting in serious injuries.
Emergency medical services transported Poe to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center, where he later died from injuries sustained in the crash, officials said.
No other vehicles were reported to be involved in the collision.
Investigators stated that impairment was not indicated as a contributing factor in the crash. However, authorities said exceeding a safe speed for the curve contributed to the incident.
Mountain Valley Church Road is a rural roadway in Wilkes County characterized by curves and elevation changes typical of the region’s terrain. Such roadways are frequently used by local traffic and can present hazards for motorists, particularly when traveling at higher speeds.
The roadway was closed for approximately one hour while troopers conducted an on-scene investigation and cleared the area.
Officials confirmed that no charges will be filed in connection with the crash.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to document the incident as part of its standard investigative process.
Google Maps: Mountain Valley Church Road near Cora Caudill Road
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