RHODHISS––A fatal collision occurred Monday evening in Burke County.

According to Master Trooper Christopher Casey of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, NCSHP personnel responded at about 7:20 p.m. to investigate the incident, which occurred on Foxridge Drive near Ledford Avenue. 

“A 2008 Jeep ‘Compass,’ travelling south on Foxridge Drive, entered the path of a northbound 2013 Kawasaki motorcycle,” Casey informs in a Tuesday statement, adding of the Burke County neighborhood, “This incident occurred within the Fox Ridge subdivision.”

He adds that the driver of the motorcycle, Stanley Leroy Paige, 65, of Hickory, was transported by EMS to Frye Regional Medical Center, also in Hickory, where he succumbed to his injuries.

“Paige was not wearing a helmet,” Casey states. “Excessive speed and alcohol are suspected contributing circumstances.”

Casey continues that the driver of the “Compass,” Robert Allen Hull, 30, of Connelly Springs, was not injured.

Casey adds that during the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for approximately three hours. 

“Possible charges are pending,” he reveals, “upon completion of the ongoing investigation and consultation with the Burke County District Attorney’s Office.”