Leonard Antonelli, Jacob Hill Obituary, Death – A bicycle shop in Asheville is planning a memorial this Sunday to honor two cyclists who were tragically killed in a crash involving a dump truck earlier this week. The memorial will take place at Liberty Bicycles on Hendersonville Road at 3 p.m. and is open to family members, coworkers, and the wider Asheville cycling community, as well as anyone else who wishes to pay their respects.
One of the victims, 27-year-old Leonard Antonelli, had worked at Liberty Bicycles for nearly four years and was remembered by colleagues and friends as a dedicated cyclist and a supportive teammate. The second cyclist killed in the crash has been identified as 32-year-old Jacob Hill. A third cyclist involved in the accident sustained injuries but survived.
According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash happened on Tuesday evening along N.C. 251 near Marshall. Troopers say the incident occurred when a dump truck crossed the center line and struck the group of cyclists. The truck driver has been identified as Cody Monday. As of now, authorities have not filed any charges against him, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The owners of Liberty Bicycles have expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Antonelli as someone who brought both skill and spirit to their team. Co-owner Ben Hamrick spoke of Antonelli’s passion for racing and his joy in seeing not only his own success, but also that of his fellow teammates. “He liked being successful, but he also liked his teammates being successful,” said Hamrick. “The biggest thrill he would get is having all his teammates there and all working together and them all having a successful race.”
Sam White, another co-owner of Liberty Bicycles, described Antonelli as a bright light in the local cycling scene, a young man who balanced elite athleticism with humility and teamwork. “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 together those mourning both cyclists, offering a space to reflect and remember their lives and contributions to the local community. It also provides an opportunity for the cycling community to come together in solidarity, especially as many are shaken by the sudden and tragic loss of two of their own.
The memorial is expected to draw many people from Asheville and beyond, highlighting just how deeply Antonelli and Hill impacted those around them. Organizers hope the event will help begin the healing process for a grieving community while honoring the passion both men had for cycling and the people who shared their journey.