E-bike rider killed in Monkey Junction crash identified

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — An e-bike rider killed in a crash Tuesday night in the Monkey Junction area has been identified as Athanasios Papoulias, 24, of Wilmington.

The crash happened around 7:15 p.m. in the 5600 block of Carolina Beach Road.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a gray Honda Ridgeline had the green light and was traveling south on Carolina Beach Road when Papoulias attempted to turn left onto the service road in front of IHOP.

Authorities say Papoulias was struck by the Ridgeline and then thrown onto a truck that was stopped at a stoplight facing north.

Papoulias died at the scene. His family has been notified.

Highway patrol says the crash remains under investigation.