A tragic motorcycle crash Tuesday night claimed the life of a 22-year-old North Wilkesboro man after his bike left the roadway and overturned in Wilkes County.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the collision occurred around 9:57 p.m. on May 5, 2026, along Mountain Valley Church Road near Cora Caudill Road. Troopers reported that a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 was traveling westbound when it ran off the right side of the road while approaching a curve.
The motorcycle struck a guardrail and overturned, ejecting the rider over the barrier.
The rider was identified as Winston Jahleel Poe, 22, of North Wilkesboro. Emergency medical crews responded and transported Poe to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators stated that impairment was not believed to be a factor in the crash. However, the preliminary investigation found that speeding—specifically driving too fast for the curve—contributed to the collision.
Mountain Valley Church Road was shut down for approximately one hour while troopers worked the scene and conducted their investigation.
Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved, and no charges are expected to be filed.
The loss has left the local community mourning as loved ones remember a young life cut short far too soon.
