Jake Browning
reporter@thefranklinpress.com
Macon County is mourning the death of Reggie Holland, who died July 2 after his motorcycle was struck by a truck in Cullowhee.
At about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, Holland was driving a motorcycle north on NC 107 at the East LaPorte River Access. A 1993 Ford truck leaving the parking lot of the river access traveled straight across the road toward Blackwood Road and into the path of the motorcycle, according to Sgt. Scott Smith of the N.C. Highway Patrol.
“The motorcycle hit the passenger side of the truck,” Smith said.
Holland, 56, was airlifted to Mission Hospital in Asheville, where he died the next day. A passenger on the motorcycle, Angela Martin, was reportedly treated and released.
The driver of the truck, William Morris, 19, of Cullowhee was not injured.
Holland was a loved and respect figure in the community.
“He was always very helpful and had a good heart, but he was also very entertaining,” said Beverly Mason, president of the Rotary Club of Franklin Daybreak, where Holland was past president. “When you’re coming to a meeting at 7:30 in the morning, it’s good to be able to count on a laugh.”
Holland was a founding board member for the Men’s Teen Challenge of the Smokies, a faith-based addiction recovery center in Franklin.
"He always had a fantastic attitude and good input to offer as a board member. I could always call him and he'd pick up the phone or call me right back and have some wise words to share. He was tremendous in his wisdom," said Mike Barres with Teen Challenge
He was also a valued an active member of Franklin First Assembly of God.
“He was a solid individual, always happy, always positive,” said Mike George, senior pastor. “We have a lot of people come into the church from off the street who might have been drunk or high, and he was always right there like ‘I’ve got your back, pastor.’ But he would always treat those people with kindness. Reggie was always looking out for other people. I’ve lost a friend, but I’ve also lost a bodyguard.”
This report contains information provided by The Sylva Herald.