A Clayton man died Friday morning when his motorcycle collided with a tractor. The crash happened at 7:44am on Highway 42 East of Clayton between Thanksgiving Fire Department Road and Highway 96.
Lt. Jeff Gordon with the NC Highway Patrol said the motorcycle, operated by Anthony Suggs Jr., 31, of Marsala Drive, Clayton, was traveling eastbound on NC42 when it approached a tractor mowing grass on the eastbound shoulder.
As the motorcycle approached the tractor from the rear, the driver of the tractor pulled into the motorcycle’s path. The impact caused Suggs to be ejected. He died as a result of the collision, Lt. Gordon said.
The driver of the tractor, William Pittman, 31, of Highway 96 South, Benson was not injured. Pittman has been charged by troopers with an unsafe movement violation 
and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Speed nor alcohol were not factors in the crash.
The NC Department of Transportation confirmed Friday afternoon the tractor was a private subcontractor who was mowing grass on the shoulder of NC 42. In a statement, the DOT said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those involved, as well as their family and friends. The safety of motorists, our employees, as well as contractors and subcontractors doing work for the department, is the number one priority of the NCDOT.”
DOT officials said they are working with the Highway Patrol as troopers investigate the crash. Photo courtesy John Payne
