News Release

Fatality near Milepost 430 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Date: May 4, 2023
Contact: BLRI Public Affairs, [e-mail]

(Haywood County, NC) - On May 4, 2023, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Blue Ridge Parkway Communications Center received a report of a cyclist in a medical emergency, near milepost 430, north of Richland Balsam.   

National Park Service law enforcement rangers and area first responders arrived to find one male in cardiac arrest. Stewart Parsons, 65 years old, of Midhurst, Ontario, Canada, was pronounced deceased on scene by responding EMS personnel.  

Parsons was cycling with a group at the end of the rider line when he fell to the road shoulder. Motorists came to Mr. Parsons aid and administered CPR until medics arrived.  

No additional details are available at this time.