Alex Kenneth Arble Obituary, Death – Authorities in Clayton are investigating two separate accidents that occurred on Saturday afternoon — one involving a motorcyclist who tragically lost his life and another involving a police officer who was on the way to assist at the first crash scene. Officials released details of both incidents on Sunday as investigations continue.
According to a statement from the Town of Clayton, the initial accident happened around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Amelia Church Road and Springwood Place. The collision involved a 2009 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and two SUVs. Witnesses and emergency crews were quick to respond to the scene.
Town officials identified the motorcyclist as 31-year-old Alex Kenneth Arble, a resident of Clayton. Authorities said Arble was traveling north on Amelia Church Road, near Clayton Community Park, when his motorcycle struck the rear of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The impact caused him to be ejected from the motorcycle. Unfortunately, he landed in the southbound lanes, where he was struck by a 2018 Jeep Wrangler.
Bystanders immediately rushed to help, performing CPR before emergency responders arrived. Despite their efforts and those of first responders, Arble did not survive the crash. His passing was confirmed at the scene by emergency officials.
Clayton town spokesperson Nathanael Shelton stated that no charges have been filed, and the crash remains under investigation. Law enforcement officials are working to determine the full circumstances leading up to the accident, including the speed and positioning of the vehicles involved, as well as road conditions at the time.
The incident prompted an extensive emergency response, with police, firefighters, and medical personnel arriving to assist. Traffic was temporarily blocked off in both directions along Amelia Church Road as authorities conducted an on-site examination and cleared the scene.
While officers were responding to this accident, another collision occurred nearby involving a Clayton Police Department officer. According to Shelton, the officer was en route to the motorcycle crash when their patrol vehicle was involved in a separate accident at the intersection of Amelia Church Road and Veteran’s Parkway.
The officer was transported to Johnston Medical Center in Clayton, where they received treatment for minor injuries and were later released the same day. No other individuals were injured in that secondary collision.
Because a law enforcement officer was involved, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation into that incident to ensure transparency and impartiality. Officials confirmed that the second crash did not result in major damage or additional injuries, but it did briefly affect traffic flow in the area.
Clayton town officials expressed appreciation for the quick response of first responders and bystanders who assisted at both accident scenes. They also extended their condolences to the family and loved ones of Alex Arble.
Residents in the Clayton community were deeply saddened by the news, as many described Arble as a friendly and familiar face in town. The tragedy has sparked reminders among local officials and residents alike about the importance of roadway awareness and safety for both drivers and motorcyclists.
Police are urging all motorists to maintain safe following distances, stay attentive, and watch carefully for smaller vehicles such as motorcycles, which can be more difficult to see in traffic. They also reminded riders to wear proper protective gear and ensure their vehicles are visible, especially when sharing the road with larger vehicles.
As of Sunday evening, both accident scenes had been fully cleared, and all roads reopened to normal traffic. Investigators continue to collect witness statements, review any available footage, and assess evidence from the site.
Authorities say more details may be released once the investigations are complete. For now, the Clayton community is mourning the loss of one of its residents and reflecting on the importance of safety and caution on local roads.
