CANTON, N.C. (THECOUNT) — Jason Marcus Hughes, of Canton, North Carolina, has been identified as the motorcyclist killed Friday afternoon in a crash involving an SUV along U.S. 23/74 in Haywood County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Hughes, 55, was traveling west on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle when a Honda CR-V failed to yield the right of way and struck his motorcycle, troopers said.
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The fatal collision occurred around 12:19 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, near mile marker 97 on U.S. 23/74 ear Waynesville in Haywood County, located in western North Carolina near the Asheville metropolitan area.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Honda CR-V was being driven by Lola Pauline Ernesti, 82, of Waynesville.
Troopers said the Honda failed to yield the right of way before striking Hughes’ Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The impact sent the motorcycle off the left side of the roadway, where it struck a guardrail before coming to a stop, authorities said.
Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said Ernesti was charged with failure to yield the right of way and misdemeanor death by vehicle in connection with the fatal collision.
Impairment was not suspected in the crash, according to troopers.
According to Facebook, Hughes was a retired Corporal from Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office
Corporal with DWI Task Force.
The circumstances surrounding the failure to yield, including whether traffic conditions or other factors contributed to the collision, were not immediately detailed in the available report.
U.S. 23/74 is a major highway corridor through western North Carolina, connecting communities in the Asheville region with areas farther west. The crash occurred in Haywood County, where Canton and Waynesville are among the principal communities.
Authorities did not immediately release additional information about the investigation, including whether any further charges were expected.
Geographic context: The fatal crash occurred along U.S. 23/74 near mile marker 97 in Haywood County, North Carolina, near Canton and Waynesville. The area is part of the western North Carolina region and the broader Asheville metropolitan area.
Google Maps: U.S. 23/74 near Mile Marker 97, Haywood County, North Carolina
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