Photo by WLOS
On Thursday, July 18th, Alex Rozos, age 26, tragically lost his life while riding his bicycle due to a hit and run on Swannanoa River Road. The incident occurred in the early afternoon, drawing immediate attention from both local authorities and the community. The Asheville Police Department apprehended the suspect motorist, who is now in custody and facing charges.
For more details, you can read the full report on WLOS.
According to Asheville Citizen Times, Asheville Police Department spokesperson Rick Rice stated:
After further investigation by officers, the vehicle and driver were located later that afternoon. Upon completion of the APD’s investigation and consultation with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, the driver, Mauricio Roberto Melgar Delgado, 47, has been charged with felony hit and run causing serious injury/death.
In response to this tragic incident, Mike Sule, AoB’s executive director, issued the following statement on July 19th:
“Alex Rozos was 26 and he was killed yesterday (7/18/24) on Swannanoa River Rd by a motorist who hit him with his truck and then failed to stop.
The motorist failed him as did our transportation system, its agencies, and our political leadership as this road is dangerous by design, plans exist to improve it, but the project is continually delayed.
Right now is the time to grieve the loss of Alex and support his family and friends as best we can.
Soon AoB will follow up with you on how best to honor Alex and advocate for continued investment in safe, dignified public rights of way so all people reach their destinations safely.
Together we roll forward.
Mike Sule
Sule is in communication with Alex’s family and will keep the AoB community updated as appropriate.
At Asheville on Bikes, we are committed to advocating for bike safety and creating safer streets for everyone. We work tirelessly to push for infrastructure improvements, community awareness, and policy changes that prioritize the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. Your support is crucial in these efforts as we continue to strive for a city where everyone can travel safely.
Please share this information within your networks and continue to support our advocacy for safer streets.