08/04/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 4, 2026
Sylva Police Department Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run on US 23B
SYLVA, N.C. — The Sylva Police Department is investigating a felony hit-and-run collision that occurred in the early morning hours of August 2, 2026. The incident was reported at approximately 2:46 a.m. on US 23 Business, in the area of 74 Sylva Plaza, as a vehicle versus pedestrian crash.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers and first responders located a male lying in the roadway. He was later identified as James Robert Bagley III. Officers and first responders determined that Mr. Bagley was deceased as a result of his injuries.
Officers immediately began working the collision and received assistance from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP). The vehicle that struck Mr. Bagley fled the scene following the collision, and its driver has not yet been identified.
The Sylva Police Department is continuing its investigation into this collision and is seeking the public’s assistance. Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact the Sylva Police Department. Our department has been in contact with businesses in the area regarding available video footage, and we ask that any business or individual with relevant information please come forward.
The Sylva Police Department would like to thank the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Sylva Fire Department, and WestCare EMS for their assistance at the scene.
“We are asking for the public’s help in locating the person responsible for this crash,” said Chief Aimee Sumner. “Someone knows something. If you have any information at all, no matter how small it may seem, please come forward and help us bring justice to Mr. Bagley’s family.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
Sylva Police Department — (828) 586-2916 OR Submit a Tip at https://sylvapolice.org/tips/
Jackson County Communications — (828) 586-1911