Motorcyclist from Morganton dies after collision with tree

CALDWELL COUNTY, NC (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – A motorcyclist was killed after he left the road and struck a tree and a fence, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said Monday.

Police responded to calls about the incident on Sunday evening around 9:20 p.m. on Playmore Road at US 64. Cody Word, 28, of Morganton, was found with injuries and pronounced dead at the scene.

An initial investigation found that Word was riding his 2003 BMW motorcycle when he left the road and struck a tree and a fence. Neither speed nor impairment are being considered factors.

The roads were closed for about two hours during the investigation.