Paul Rucker Obituary, Death – Charlotte police are investigating a deadly crash that claimed the life of a bicyclist early Sunday morning in the city’s northeast corridor. Authorities confirmed that the victim, identified as 59-year-old Paul Rucker, died at the scene after being struck by a car along East W.T. Harris Boulevard near Old Concord Road.
The incident took place around 2:20 a.m. on September 28. When officers arrived, they discovered a chaotic scene: Rucker’s bicycle lay damaged in the roadway, and nearby, a Ford Focus with significant front-end damage was stopped in the street. The driver of the car, identified as 44-year-old Kesha Jackson, remained at the scene along with a passenger who was also inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Police reports indicate that Rucker was traveling westbound on his bicycle in the middle of the street when the collision occurred. Preliminary findings suggest that Jackson’s vehicle struck Rucker from behind, leaving him with fatal injuries. Paramedics who responded to the scene pronounced him dead shortly afterward. No other injuries were reported in connection with the crash.
While impairment and excessive speed were quickly ruled out as contributing factors for Jackson, questions remain regarding Rucker’s condition at the time of the accident. Toxicology results are pending, and investigators have not yet determined whether impairment may have played a role on his part.
As the investigation unfolded, police discovered several violations connected to Jackson. Records showed that she was driving on a revoked license at the time of the crash. Additionally, her Ford Focus was not properly registered, and she did not have liability insurance coverage. As a result, she was charged with driving while license revoked, failure to register, and no liability insurance. Despite these charges, investigators have not accused Jackson of reckless driving or impairment in relation to the fatal collision itself.
The tragedy has sparked concern within the community about roadway safety, particularly for cyclists navigating busy streets during late-night or early-morning hours. East W.T. Harris Boulevard is a major roadway in Charlotte, often carrying steady traffic even outside of peak commuting times. Advocates for safer cycling conditions note that collisions like this highlight the ongoing need for improved infrastructure, such as designated bike lanes and better lighting, especially in high-traffic areas.
Neighbors and local residents expressed shock at the fatal crash, with some noting that it underscores the vulnerability of cyclists who share the road with vehicles. While state law requires drivers to exercise caution and provide space when passing cyclists, safety experts also emphasize the importance of riders using reflective gear, lights, and staying as close to the edge of the road as possible.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to investigate, carefully reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to Rucker’s death. Officials say the findings of Rucker’s toxicology report will be important in understanding the full context of the crash. Meanwhile, the case against Jackson regarding her licensing and insurance violations will proceed separately.
Rucker’s death adds to a troubling pattern of bicycle fatalities reported across North Carolina in recent years. Transportation officials continue to encourage both motorists and cyclists to remain vigilant on the roads, especially during hours of reduced visibility.
As the investigation moves forward, the focus remains on determining the circumstances surrounding the crash while also addressing the broader questions of roadway safety. For now, Charlotte mourns the loss of Paul Rucker, whose life was tragically cut short in the early hours of a Sunday morning ride.
