CMPD investigates south Charlotte fatal crash as authorities seek witnesses and reconstruct events at scene

What investigators have confirmed so far

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are investigating a fatal traffic crash in south Charlotte that left one person dead and prompted a temporary road closure while evidence was collected and the scene was documented.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Park Road and East Woodlawn Road on Friday afternoon, May 10, 2025. Police said a semi-truck and a bicyclist were involved. When officers arrived, they found the bicyclist unresponsive in the intersection. MEDIC pronounced the cyclist dead at the scene.

The cyclist was identified as 73-year-old William Sterling Yoder. The semi-truck driver was identified as 39-year-old Deandre Xavier McClish. Police said speed and impairment were not suspected as contributing factors at the time of the initial information release. The crash investigation remained open as detectives worked to determine how the collision occurred.

Traffic impacts and why intersections become key evidence sites

The intersection of Park Road and East Woodlawn Road was closed shortly after 3 p.m. as investigators processed the area and managed traffic safety. The intersection later reopened.

In fatal crashes, investigators typically document roadway geometry, sight lines, signal timing or right-of-way indicators when applicable, vehicle positions, and physical evidence such as skid marks, debris fields, and points of impact. Those elements help crash investigators reconstruct the sequence of events and evaluate factors including visibility, driver actions, and the movements of vulnerable road users such as cyclists.

What remains unknown

As of the latest publicly available update on this case, additional details about the cyclist’s direction of travel, the truck’s movement through the intersection, and any potential citations had not been released. Police have not publicly described any surveillance footage, dash camera video, or independent witness accounts connected to the collision.

• Cause and contributing circumstances have not been publicly detailed.
• No charges have been announced in connection with the crash.
• Investigators have not released further findings beyond the preliminary assessment regarding speed and impairment.

How the public can assist the investigation

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Witness statements, photos, and video captured near the time of the collision can be significant in establishing timelines and clarifying right-of-way in complex intersection crashes.

Anyone with information is asked to call 704-432-2169, extension 5.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to evaluate evidence and work to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.