ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — An investigation is underway after a vehicle collision took the life of a Good Samaritan.
Lt. Mike McClanahan with the Asheville Police Department (APD) said that they received a call around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18 about a motor vehicle collision in the 1120 block of Sweeten Creek Road.
After officers arrived on the scene, Lt. McClanahan said they were able to determine that there had been two different collisions that occurred. The first involved a motorcycle that had gone down in the middle of the road.
“Another motorist saw the motorcycle down, stopped as a Good Samaritan to help out, stopped their vehicle, got out, went over to assist the motorcyclist,” McClanahan explained.
That’s when tragedy struck as 46-year-old Jason Matthew Perry was attempting to help the motorcyclist get their motorcycle back up. Officials say a tow truck that was traveling on Sweeten Creek Road struck Perry and the motorcycle.
“He saw someone in need and he stopped to help out and unfortunately the series of events that happened after that took his life,” McClanahan said.
He added that the tow truck that hit Perry just happened to be driving by, it had no relation to the initial collision.
When asked if this was just a very unfortunate accident or if the tow truck driver could have been distracted, Lt. McClanahan said that they’re still looking into everything.
“There’s a lot of different things that have come in to help us kind of further our investigation,” he said.
As of now, Lt. McClanahan said that there have not been any charges filed against the driver of the tow truck.
“There were no charges filed last night so there’s a consultation that will happen with the district attorney’s office after we’re able to gather up all the evidence,” he explained.
McClanahan said that following that, they will determine if there will be charges filed.
“It’s a tragic series of events that happened, he was trying to do the right thing and unfortunately lost his life in the process,” he said.
Lt. McClanahan said that it’s also important to remember that when you stop to help in a collision situation to be very aware.
“Definitely be mindful of the moving traffic because until first responders get there and are able to make that scene safe it’s still a very active roadway,” he said.
Right now, APD is continuing to investigate the incident, and has asked anyone with any information to reach out.