1 dead, 3 injured after van plows into runners at The Bear race in Avery County, police say
LINVILLE, N.C. — A van plowed into a crowd of runners Thursday night at the start of The Bear race in Linville, highway patrol officers said.
It has been confirmed that one female runner has died and three others have been seriously injured.
The running and jogging event is part of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Avery County.
It happened around 6:50 pm on NC Highway 105 (Linville Avenue) near Blowing Rock Highway. Linville Avenue was closed after the accident.
Police said the van driver was involved in the race, ferrying people up and down the mountainside.
“About 10 minutes before the race started, I was crossing the street to get ready and a vehicle started moving forward through the crowd,” said runner Corey Wilkinson. “I heard screams and unfortunately that vehicle hit a lot of people.”
Officers said they don’t know what caused the van to suddenly accelerate and hit the runners before hitting a Gator 4×4 vehicle at the event.
Breaking Avery County – Highway Patrol confirms one dead, three others seriously injured on highways 105 and 221. A van crashed into runners preparing to participate in a race known as the Bear. Watch Channel 9 for updates on this developing story. pic.twitter.com/SvzmOew9ub
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) July 8, 2022
Wilkinson believes it was an accident.
“(The driver) wasn’t trying to hurt anybody,” he said. “Something went wrong. No one really knows what happened in his moment.”
The 5-mile race, which stretches from downtown Linville to the Mile High Swing Bridge atop Grandfather Mountain, has been canceled.
About 900 people were registered for the race.
Runner Carolyn Bryce traveled from Wilmington to participate.
“I crossed back to go to the start line when it happened. I just heard a bunch of screaming and I saw people running and I saw the van go through the people and stop,” Bryce said. “It’s an event you want to do and have fun with. You don’t want to go and have someone hurt or injured or killed. So my thoughts and prayers are with those families.”
The Bear Race The start of the Bear Race Thursday in Linville. There are reports that multiple pedestrians have been hit by a vehicle. (COURTESY: KEN BURDAIN)
Organizers sent Channel 9 a statement on Thursday evening.
“On behalf of myself and the entire Grandfather Mountain Highland Games organization and family, we are deeply saddened by tonight’s devastating event and offer our condolences to those affected,” said Grandfather Mountain Highland Games President Steve Quillin.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games activities set for Friday through Sunday will continue as planned.
No further information has been released as part of the ongoing investigation.
Check back to this story for updates.
(Watch below: Highland Games kick off at Grandfather Mountain this weekend)
The Highland Games kick off at Grandfather Mountain this weekend
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