Thomas Turnbull killed in tractor-trailer bicycle crash on Akron Drive

Tractor-trailer struck the bicyclist riding with traffic in Winston-Salem

January 07, 2026 | Winston Salem, NC

A Forsyth County resident lost his life in a tragic bicycle accident on Akron Drive.

Thomas Griffith Turnbull, 75, of Forsyth County, was pronounced dead after his bicycle was struck by a Freightliner tractor-trailer on Akron Drive in Winston-Salem.

What Happened in the Crash?

Thomas Griffith Turnbull, 75, was cycling in the 600 block of Akron Drive around noon when a 2015 Freightliner tractor-trailer struck him from behind. Authorities reported that Turnbull was moving in the same direction as traffic at the time of the collision. He was declared deceased at the scene by emergency responders. The Winston-Salem Police Department continues its investigation, with no charges filed at this time.

• Date and Time: Jan. 7, shortly after noon
• Location: 600 block of Akron Drive, Winston-Salem, NC
• Vehicles Involved: Bicycle and 2015 Freightliner tractor-trailer
• Outcome: Fatal injury to the cyclist, and driver not injured
• Investigating Agency: Winston-Salem Police Department

Why Do Bicycle-Truck Accidents Occur?

Bicycle and commercial truck collisions often stem from factors like limited visibility for drivers, speed differentials, and road infrastructure challenges. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these incidents highlight the vulnerability of cyclists sharing roads with larger vehicles.

Crash Statistics Overview

Legal Insights

In cases such as this involving tractor-trailer accidents, national legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough independent investigations to safeguard involved parties.

"Tractor-trailer crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents," said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. "A skilled attorney can protect victims from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver. Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring witnesses, conducting driver background checks, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding a victim through the legal process."

Key takeaways:

• Prompt independent investigations are crucial to uncover all contributing factors.
• Trucking firms may deploy resources to minimize liability, necessitating strong legal representation.
• Attorneys can secure evidence through witness statements and background reviews.

For wrongful death scenarios following such incidents, families may seek compensation for losses including funeral expenses, lost earnings, and emotional distress.

"A death to a family member after an accident is both tragic and devastating to a surviving family. The grief, shock, and anger can be overwhelming," said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. "Aside from the emotional suffering of those left behind, the death of someone close can have devastating financial implications. Loss of income and funeral costs alone can have tragic consequences when a family member is lost."

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