William Sterling Yoder Obituary, Death – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is currently investigating a deadly traffic incident involving a semi-truck and a cyclist that occurred on the afternoon of Friday, May 9, 2025. The collision took place near the intersection of East Woodlawn Road and Park Road, within the department’s Westover Division.
According to a news release, the incident was reported at approximately 2:30 p.m. when officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving a call for service about a serious crash involving a large commercial truck and a bicyclist. Upon arriving, officers discovered a semi-truck stopped on East Woodlawn Road and an unresponsive male cyclist lying in the roadway. Emergency responders from the Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC were quickly on scene to assess the situation.
Tragically, the cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by MEDIC personnel. Authorities later identified the victim as 73-year-old William Sterling Yoder. According to the police report, Yoder was riding his bicycle when the crash occurred. The specific circumstances leading up to the collision have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Following standard procedure in fatal vehicle incidents, CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit arrived to examine the scene in detail. They were accompanied by officers from the Crime Scene Search Unit (CSS), who began collecting evidence and documenting the conditions of the roadway and involved vehicles.
The driver of the semi-truck has been identified as 39-year-old Deandre Xavier McClish. Officials have indicated that neither speed nor driver impairment appear to have been contributing factors in the collision. At this stage of the investigation, no charges have been announced, and police have not indicated whether McClish is being considered at fault.
Yoder’s next of kin have been informed of his death, though further personal details about the victim have not been made public out of respect for the family. There has also been no mention of whether Yoder was wearing a helmet or if his bicycle was equipped with safety features such as lights or reflectors.
CMPD emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence, analyze the scene, and seek out witnesses who may have seen the crash occur. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras could also be reviewed as part of the process.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have relevant information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. Detective Mercedes, who is leading the inquiry, can be reached at (704) 432-2169, extension 5. Members of the public who wish to provide tips anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 or reach out through the Charlotte Crime Stoppers platform. The case reference number is 20250509-1430-02.
The CMPD’s Public Affairs Division will continue to provide updates as more details emerge. At this time, authorities have not provided an estimated timeline for the conclusion of the investigation or whether additional findings, such as a crash reconstruction report, will be released publicly.
East Woodlawn Road and Park Road are both well-traveled thoroughfares in Charlotte, and the intersection is known for moderate to heavy traffic volumes during the day. It is not yet clear whether the road design or traffic patterns may have played a role in the collision. No road closures have been announced in connection with the investigation, although police activity did temporarily disrupt traffic in the area on the day of the crash.
This incident highlights the ongoing safety concerns that exist for cyclists sharing the road with motor vehicles, especially large commercial trucks. Advocates for bike safety often stress the importance of protected lanes, improved signage, and increased driver awareness to help reduce the risk of fatal crashes involving cyclists.
As the community processes the tragic loss of Mr. Yoder, local residents and safety advocates may call for further reviews of traffic safety measures in the area. Whether this incident will prompt any policy discussions or road safety audits remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to pursue a thorough and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision. They remain committed to ensuring that all available facts are uncovered and that any actions that contributed to the tragic outcome are fully understood.