Local News
Autumn Mullins, 28, Killed in Single-Vehicle Truck Crash Near Exit 24 in Pikeville, Kentucky
PIKEVILLE, Ky. β A heartbreaking tragedy has claimed the life of a 28-year-old woman from Virgie, Kentucky, following a devastating single-vehicle truck crash near Exit 24 in Pike County on Monday morning. πποΈπ’
The victim was identified by authorities as Autumn Mullins, 28, of Virgie, Kentucky. Her sudden death has left family members, friends, and loved ones grieving the loss of a young woman whose life ended far too soon.
According to authorities, the crash occurred Monday morning near the Exit 24 underpass in Pikeville, where Autumn’s truck reportedly left the roadway and struck the Cedar Creek Bridge.
Pikeville police officers responded to the scene after receiving a 911 emergency call. Emergency crews arrived and discovered that the collision had resulted in a fatality. The Pike County Coroner’s Office subsequently confirmed Autumn’s death.
Authorities reported that Autumn was the only occupant inside the truck. Sadly, she died as a result of the collision.
Pikeville Police Captain Chad Branham provided a preliminary description of the events leading up to the fatal collision.
According to Capt. Branham, the truck was traveling near Exit 24 when it reportedly left the roadway, struck a metal pole, traveled up a small hillside, and eventually collided with the Cedar Creek Bridge.
He explained:
“It appears to us that the driver just went off of the roadway, lost control, traveled up the hill and coming in contact with the Cedar Creek Bridge.”
Although investigators have provided an initial account of the vehicle’s path, the exact circumstances that caused Autumn to leave the roadway remain unknown.
Because the incident resulted in a fatality, investigators called in the department’s crash reconstruction unit to examine the scene and determine what may have contributed to the collision.
The newly established Advanced Reconstruction Team also assisted with the investigation. The team includes personnel from the Pikeville Police Department, Prestonsburg Police Department, and Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities indicated that this was among the team’s first collaborative efforts, bringing together investigators from multiple agencies to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash.
A toxicology report remains pending and may provide additional information as investigators work to establish a clearer understanding of the incident.
Police also stated that the crash is not being investigated as a criminal matter, noting that Autumn was the only person inside the vehicle.
The fatal crash also affected motorists traveling through the area.
Authorities issued a warning for drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 23 near the Exit 24 bridge, urging them to slow down and proceed with caution while emergency personnel and investigators worked at the scene.
The investigation continued as officials examined the roadway and gathered information about the circumstances surrounding the collision.
At just 28 years old, Autumn Mullins had her whole life ahead of her. Her sudden passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change and how deeply a tragic accident can affect an entire family.
Behind the official reports and crash investigation is a family now facing the unimaginable pain of losing someone they loved. Friends and loved ones are left mourning her absence and holding on to the memories they shared with her.
While investigators continue working to determine what caused the truck to leave the roadway, those closest to Autumn must navigate the difficult days ahead without her.
Her death has left a painful void in the lives of the people who knew and cared for her.
Please keep Autumn Mullins’ family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers as they face this devastating loss. May they find strength, comfort, and support during this difficult time.
May Autumn Mullins rest in beautiful, peaceful, eternal peace. ποΈπ€
Local News
Donald Robert Morris-Jones Charged in Fatal Wake County Cycling Crash That Killed One and Injured Seven; Bond Set at $1 Million
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. β A devastating collision involving a group of cyclists in Wake County, North Carolina, left one person dead and seven others injured. A 76-year-old Apex man, identified as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges in connection with the crash.
According to the information provided in court records, Morris-Jones was arrested on November 7, 2026, following an investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Authorities allege that he struck multiple cyclists and failed to remain at the scene after the collision.
The incident has deeply affected the cycling community, with one family mourning the loss of a loved one and seven other victims facing injuries and recovery.
Morris-Jones faces a series of charges across two related cases. The charges listed in the supplied court information include:
- One count of felony death by vehicle.
- Seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle.
- Eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death.
- Driving while impaired.
- Reckless driving with wanton disregard.
- Driving left of center.
The eight hit-and-run counts allege that Morris-Jones failed to stop following the collision, which resulted in one death and injuries to seven other people.
These are allegations contained in the criminal charges. Morris-Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
One charging document alleges that Morris-Jones was driving on State Road 1390 while under the influence of an impairing substance, resulting in serious injuries to another person.
The document describes injuries that reportedly included damage to the person’s leg and ribs, as well as a laceration to the left arm.
A driving-while-impaired record indicates that a blood test was ordered. However, the results had not been released in the information provided, and no conclusion about the test results can be drawn at this stage.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A judicial official set secured bonds totaling $1 million across the two cases.
The bond amounts were listed as:
- $750,000 in one case.
- $250,000 in the related case.
According to the supplied court documents, the judicial official cited the combined offenses and described an βoverwhelming danger to society.β The official also noted that Morris-Jones appeared to have no significant criminal history while expressing concern that he had allegedly attempted to flee to avoid prosecution.
The bond decision reflects the court’s assessment at this stage of the proceedings and does not establish guilt.
Morris-Jones is scheduled to appear in Wake County District Court on November 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing is listed for Courtroom 304.
Further proceedings are expected to address the charges as the case moves through the judicial process. Additional information about the crash, the victims, and the investigation may be released as it becomes available.
Beyond the criminal charges and court proceedings, the crash has left families and an entire cycling community facing a painful loss.
One person will not return home, while seven others have reportedly suffered serious injuries. Their loved ones must now navigate the uncertainty, emotional strain, and challenges that follow a sudden and traumatic event.
For the cyclists involved, what began as a morning ride ended in tragedy. Friends, relatives, and fellow riders are left remembering the person who died while hoping for recovery and healing for those who survived.
Our thoughts are with the family of the person who lost their life, the seven injured cyclists, and everyone affected by this devastating collision.
May the person who died be remembered with love and dignity, and may the injured victims find strength and healing in the days ahead.