Rocky Mount, NC (July 21, 2026) - According to local news reports and statements from the Rocky Mount Police Department, 70-year-old Gonzalo Torres Perez was critically injured when a vehicle struck his bicycle Tuesday morning. The collision occurred at approximately 7 a.m. in the 1800 block of Thomas A. Betts Parkway.

Police said Perez was riding along Thomas A. Betts Parkway when an oncoming vehicle struck him. Emergency personnel transported him to UNC Health Nash before he was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. He remained in critical condition Tuesday evening.

The driver stayed at the scene following the collision. Police had not filed charges as of Tuesday evening, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remained under active investigation.

Perez died Thursday from the injuries he sustained, according to his family. Relatives, friends, and other community members gathered Sunday for a public visitation at Matthews Family Mortuary, where they remembered his work ethic, kindness, and familiar presence throughout Rocky Mount.

Perez was frequently seen riding his bicycle with his dog, Oso. Randy Adcox, who met Perez at a McDonald’s in 2018, recalled that they developed a friendship despite a language barrier. Adcox said he would sometimes offer Perez and his bicycle a ride when he encountered him walking or cycling around the city.

Benjamin Alvarez described his uncle as “Superman” and said Perez belonged to the entire community. Family members and friends also asked city officials to consider additional sidewalks and bicycle lanes, noting that streets Perez regularly traveled did not have either. They encouraged motorists to remain attentive to people walking or riding bicycles. Perez’s brother-in-law, Jose Alvarez, thanked the community for supporting the family during the difficult period.

How Bicycle Collision Records Shape the Review Process

A family may need answers about a fatal bicycle collision after the initial police response ends. Investigators may review statements, vehicle damage, roadway conditions, available video, and physical evidence from the scene. Medical records and transportation documents can also establish a timeline of the care provided after the crash.

When a car accident involves a person riding a bicycle, understanding the available records may help explain how insurance claims and related questions are evaluated. A bicycle accident injury lawyer can review those materials and identify which facts may affect the process. The time required for that review often depends on the complexity of the collision and how quickly official records become available.

Families may also need to preserve medical bills, insurance correspondence, employment records, and receipts for accident-related expenses. Keeping these materials organized can make it easier to document financial losses and respond accurately when an insurer requests information.

Questions After a Fatal Bicycle Collision

After a serious car accident involving a cyclist, families may encounter medical, financial, and insurance questions at the same time they are coping with an injury or loss. Learning what documents may be requested, how insurers generally review claims, and which deadlines could apply can make the process more manageable. It can also help families avoid making important decisions before they have a complete picture of the available evidence and expenses.

Discussing a Rocky Mount Claim With Rosensteel Fleishman

Rosensteel Fleishman law firm represents individuals and families dealing with medical bills, lost income, and insurance disputes after serious roadway collisions. During an initial consultation, we listen carefully to what happened, review the concerns facing the family, and explain possible next steps based on the available facts.

For those affected by a bicycle crash like the one reported on Thomas A. Betts Parkway, our firm can help examine accident records, insurance coverage, and documented losses. Speaking with Rosensteel Fleishman can provide an opportunity to ask questions and better understand the options available before making decisions about a claim.