By Steve Huffman
shuffman@salisburypost.com
CLEVELAND ó A motorcyclist was killed in a single-vehicle accident outside town early Saturday.
According to the N.C. Highway Patrol, Andrew Jackson Gardner, 19, of Woodleaf, was traveling on N.C. 801 when his 2001 Kawasaki crossed the center line, ran off the left side of the road, struck a utility pole and overturned.
Gardner and his bike hit a culvert before coming to rest on the highway’s left shoulder.
The accident happened about 3 miles south of Cleveland, near N.C. 801’s intersection with Graham Road.
According to the Highway Patrol, Gardner was traveling east at the time of the accident.
Trooper M.E. Heon of the Highway Patrol estimated Gardner’s speed at 65 mph. The speed limit along the stretch is 55 mph. There’s a curve at the accident site.
Heon’s report indicated there were no witnesses to the accident.
Gardner was a 2007 graduate of West Rowan. Summersett Funeral Home is in charge of his services, which will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Mount Ulla. Visitation is Wednesday starting at 1 p.m. at the church.