Man dies after crashing bike in Pisgah National Forest; woman who tried to help hospitalized after yellow jackets attack

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

1

From the Charlotte Observer:

MARION — A man who was a leader in the business and cycling communities of Greenville, S.C., was killed in a weekend accident, and authorities say a Mecklenburg County rider who tried to save him was stung dozens of times by yellow jackets.

Killed in the bicycle crash Saturday in McDowell County was Jeff Papenfus, 44, of Greenville. He was an entrepreneur who is credited with helping develop the Next Innovation Center, a high-tech operation in the Greenville-Spartanburg area.

McDowell County authorities say Elizabeth Morse, of Cornelius, needed hospital care after being stung by the insects. Papenfus also was stung, but emergency medical personnel told reporters that they believe he died of a neck injury.

According to authorities, Papenfus and Derek Zimmerman had finished a training ride around noon Saturday near the Jarrett Creek Access Area at Pisgah National Forest and were riding down a hill, returning to their vehicle. Papenfus apparently lost control of his bike and crashed along the side of the road.