A hit-and-run incident occurred in Catawba County last Friday night, resulting in the death of a local bicyclist. Authorities report that Donald Steven Ricker, a 58-year-old man, was biking east on US 70 near 4th Street SW in Conover when he was struck by an unidentified vehicle. The driver involved did not remain at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, according to WSOCTV.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that Ricker died at the scene of his injuries. As detailed by WCNC, the suspect vehicle, believed to be a 2018-2020 Ford pickup truck or possibly a Ford Mustang, remains at large. There have been no new leads on the vehicle or driver, and authorities are continuing their search while requesting the public's help.

Investigators are actively seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has knowledge about the suspect vehicle. Stated in an article by QC News, "Officials say a bicyclist, 58-year-old Donald Steven Ricker, was going east on US 70 when he was hit by a vehicle that immediately fled the scene." Officials have not released additional details about the suspect or the reasons for the driver's departure from the scene. Authorities are continuing to investigate the fatal hit-and-run that killed Donald Steven Ricker. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is asking anyone who was near Nagano Japanese Restaurant around the time of the crash to contact them at 828-466-5500.