On a warm Friday afternoon in Charlotte, North Carolina, a vibrant community was struck by grief when 73-year-old William Sterling Yoder, an avid cyclist, lost his life in a tragic collision with a semi-truck. The incident, which unfolded around 2:30 p.m. on May 9, 2025, at the bustling intersection of East Woodlawn Road and Park Road, has left residents mourning and reignited urgent conversations about cyclist safety in a city where urban growth and traffic converge.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded swiftly to reports of the crash, arriving to a somber scene near the Park Road Shopping Center, a familiar hub for locals. Officers found a semi-truck halted in the roadway and Yoder lying unresponsive on the pavement, his bicycle nearby. Despite the rapid response from the Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC emergency crews, Yoder could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. The loss of a man described by neighbors as kind-hearted and active has sent ripples of sorrow through the community, with many reflecting on the fragility of life on shared roads.
The driver of the semi-truck, 39-year-old Deandre Xavier McClish, remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. Preliminary investigations suggest that neither speed nor alcohol contributed to the collision, though the exact circumstances remain under scrutiny. No charges have been filed as of now, and police are working diligently to piece together the sequence of events that led to this devastating outcome. The CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit, alongside the Crime Scene Search Unit, has been deployed to analyze road conditions, collect physical evidence, and review any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Detectives are also appealing to the public, seeking witnesses who may have seen the incident or have information that could clarify what happened. Those with details are encouraged to contact Detective Mercedes at (704) 432-2169, extension 5, or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600, referencing case number 20250509-1430-02.
This tragedy marks another painful chapter in Charlotte’s ongoing struggle to ensure the safety of cyclists navigating its increasingly busy streets. East Woodlawn Road, a major thoroughfare, is no stranger to heavy traffic, with large vehicles like semi-trucks frequently passing through. The intersection where Yoder’s life was cut short is a complex convergence of lanes, where cyclists and motorists must exercise heightened caution. Local advocates for cyclist safety have long called for infrastructure improvements, including protected bike lanes, enhanced road signage, and increased driver education to foster greater awareness of vulnerable road users. In recent years, Charlotte has made strides toward becoming a more bike-friendly city, but incidents like this underscore the challenges that remain.
William Sterling Yoder’s death is not just a statistic; it is a profound loss felt by a community that valued his presence. Friends and neighbors remember him as a dedicated cyclist who cherished the freedom of riding through the city he called home. His passing has sparked renewed calls for action, with community leaders and cycling groups urging city officials to prioritize safety measures that could prevent future tragedies. As the investigation continues, Charlotte holds its breath, hoping for answers and a path toward safer roads for all.
The memory of Yoder’s life and the circumstances of his death will likely linger, pushing residents and policymakers alike to confront the urgent need for change. For now, the city mourns, and a family grieves, while investigators work to uncover the truth behind a moment that changed lives forever.