Man airlifted in motorcycle wreck
By Melanie Marshall

A Tennessee man was airlifted after his motorcycle overturned on U.S. 421 Monday.

Robert D. Stykes, 51, of Gray, Tenn., was traveling northwest on U.S. 421 near the Quality Plus gas station in Vilas when the accident occurred.

According to N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper G.A. Johnson, the lead vehicle in a line of multiple vehicles stopped to make a left turn onto Ralph Wilson Road. Several vehicles stopped behind the turning car. Stykes did not reduce speed and ran off the right side of the road.

His wife, Jennifer Stykes, was a passenger on the Honda cruiser motorcycle.

Both were ejected. Johnson estimated the rate of speed to be 40-45 mph in a 45 mph speed zone prior to braking.

The estimated rate of speed when the motorcycle overturned was 30 mph. Johnson said the rate of speed was not a factor in the accident.

Johnson said Jennifer Stykes was standing after the accident and was transported to Watauga Medical Center.

Robert Stykes was conscious and alert prior to being airlifted to Johnson City Area Medical Center. Their current conditions were unavailable as of press time.

Both were wearing helmets. The motorcycle was towing a small utility trailer. Johnson said Stykes would not be cited in the accident.