Lime bike rider had been drinking before fatal collision in Charlotte, police say

Police believe alcohol contributed to an early morning crash last week that claimed the life of a Lime bike rider in Charlotte.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police identified the victim as Mathew Nicholas Hoffman. He was struck and mortally injured by a Honda SUV on Nov. 21 as he rode a rented Lime bike down East Morehead Street near uptown.

Police say Hoffman, who was not wearing a helmet, had been drinking and that alcohol is “a suspected contributing factor” to the 12:30 a.m. collision.

Hoffman was struck as he attempted to make a right turn into a parking lot as he pedaled southeast on Morehead near Tryon Street.

Before completing the turn at 108 E. Morehead, Hoffman abruptly veered left back into traffic. That took him directly into the path of the Honda, which was traveling in the same direction, police say.

The Honda hit the bike, then struck a building. Police say the driver was not at fault.

Hoffman, according to police, died Sunday night from his injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.