Sheriff: Motorcyclist becomes unconscious during arrest in Ashe County, dies

ASHE COUNTY, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — A motorcyclist who had been pulled over overnight in Ashe County became unconscious during his arrest and was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said just before 1 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, deputies tried to pull over a motorcyclist, who was later identified as Stuart Chad Mast, 48, of Fleetwood.

Deputies said Mast initially refused to stop and a short pursuit began. Mast eventually stopped on the road between Frank Dillard Road and Sheets Bridge.

According to the sheriff’s office, Mast was told to get off his bike and lie on the ground. They said Mast refused to listen despite several commands, leading to a physical confrontation.

After a short struggle, the sheriff’s office said Mast was placed in handcuffs, where “it was noticed he had become unconscious.”

The sheriff’s office said despite lifesaving measures, including two doses of Narcan, followed by CPR, the use of an AED, and resumed CPR, Ashe County medics transported Mast to Ashe Memorial Hospital where he was later declared deceased.

The State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to conduct an investigation, as protocol. One Ashe County deputy was hospitalized following the incident and has since been released.

Two other deputies suffered minor injuries, the sheriff’s office said.

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