ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken Asheville’s cycling community after two cyclists were killed earlier this week in a crash involving a dump truck. Liberty Bicycles, where one of the victims worked, will host a public memorial this Sunday at 3 p.m. at their shop on Hendersonville Road. The event is open to family, friends, coworkers, fellow cyclists, and anyone in the community who wants to pay their respects.
The victims have been identified as 27-year-old Leonard Antonelli and 32-year-old Jacob Hill. Antonelli was a dedicated employee at Liberty Bicycles for nearly four years and was known for his passion for cycling and team spirit. Hill, also an avid cyclist, was a part of the local riding community. A third cyclist involved in the incident survived but sustained injuries. According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash happened Tuesday evening on N.C. 251 near Marshall, when a dump truck crossed the center line and struck the group. The driver, Cody Monday, has not been charged, and the investigation is ongoing.
Leonard Antonelli’s colleagues at Liberty Bicycles remember him as more than just a skilled rider. “He liked being successful, but he also liked his teammates being successful,” said co-owner Ben Hamrick. “The biggest thrill he would get was seeing everyone work together and succeed.” Antonelli was admired for his dedication, kindness, and the encouragement he offered to teammates and fellow cyclists.
Sam White, another co-owner of Liberty Bicycles, shared how deeply Antonelli’s presence was felt in the shop and in the community. “He’s such a fine young man that exemplified the best of elite cycling with humility and support of others in his racing,” White said. “He was a flower blooming… unfortunately, he was snuffed from us too early.”
The upcoming memorial aims to bring the community together during this difficult time. It will offer a space for reflection, storytelling, and support for those who knew and loved Antonelli and Hill. Organizers hope the event will also serve as a moment of unity for Asheville’s tight-knit cycling community.
As the city mourns the sudden loss of two lives, the memorial on Sunday will be more than just a gathering—it will be a tribute to the spirit of two men who inspired many through their love of cycling and the strength they brought to their community.