Alex Austin, 19-Year-Old Valdese Resident, Remembered After June 12, 2026 Hickory Motorcycle Crash
Alex Austin, a 19-year-old from Valdese, died Saturday, June 13, 2026, after a roadway crash in Hickory deeply saddened family, friends, and the wider Catawba County community.
Hickory Police said the crash happened at about 8:12 p.m. on Friday, June 12, along US Highway 70 SE near 21st Street Lane SE.
Investigators reported that Alex operated a 2024 Kawasaki EX500 motorcycle eastbound when it collided with the rear of a 2021 Hyundai Kona traveling in the same direction in the middle lane.
Catawba County EMS transported Alex to Catawba Valley Medical Center before medical teams airlifted Alex to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.
Loved ones remember Alex for a bright spirit, meaningful dreams, and a lasting presence across 19 years of life.
As of Monday, June 15, authorities had filed no charges, and Sergeant Amanda Efird of the Hickory Police Department continued to seek information.
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