‘Everyone feels the loss for the Archuleta family’: Bicyclist in Brunswick Co. killed in hit-and-run

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - A cyclist was killed in a fatal collision on Blue Banks Loop Road near Northwest on Monday, Nov. 13, between 5 and 8 p.m.

He was found dead after being reported missing on Monday.

“We are saddened to report that Michael Archuleta was located deceased early this morning, the victim of an apparent hit and run which occurred last evening off of Blue Banks Rd. while riding his bike,” the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office states in a Tuesday update just before 9:30 a.m.

An N.C. State Highway Patrol representative said that Archuleta, a 20-year-old from Leland, was struck in the rear and that the bike came to rest in the ditch. The driver didn’t remain at the scene, per SHP.

His body was found the next morning at around 7 a.m., and he wasn’t wearing a helmet, according to SHP.

A couple of neighbors who live along Blue Banks Loop Road say this incident is truly tragic, and one that could have easily been avoided. They say it can be a dangerous area to walk or ride a bike because it’s poorly lit and drivers are always speeding.

“Nobody seems to do the speed limit they go way too fast. The lighting out here on Blue Banks is very little so it’s hard to see, so going slower is extremely important,” said Jessica Goulet who lives on the road.

She adds that it just as easily could have been her children, or anyone else’s.

“They could have just been at the mailbox getting the mail, and especially now with the time change, getting home from sports at this time around 6:00 p.m., it’s already dark out. You know riding their bikes, anything. Everyone just needs to slow down,” said Goulet.

Goulet says there are no street lights on Blue Banks Loop Road and the street lights people do see, are the ones residents choose to have on their property, and must pay 10 bucks a month to have.

Anyone with information, doorbell or security camera footage is asked to contact the NCSHP by dialing *HP.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family and friends,” the update adds.

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