GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — The Gaston County community is mourning the loss of Rhyne Linker, who tragically died after being struck by a vehicle involved in a police pursuit on Trinity Avenue. The incident occurred on November 18, 2025, and remains under active investigation.
According to authorities, Linker was assisting a friend when a vehicle fleeing from Gastonia Police left the roadway, struck him, and then collided with a nearby house. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Linker succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
One individual involved in the fleeing vehicle has since returned and turned themselves in to Gastonia Police. Other suspects remain at large, and law enforcement continues searching for them.
The pursuit began around 4:44 p.m. on November 18, when Gastonia Police attempted to stop the vehicle. During the chase, the vehicle crashed, struck a pedestrian, and multiple occupants fled toward Linwood Road. At the time, police had limited information about the suspects.
Authorities stress that the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to come forward to help identify and locate the remaining individuals involved.
This tragic event has left a profound impact on the Gaston County community, and law enforcement continues to work diligently to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash. The family and friends of Rhyne Linker are being supported during this difficult time, as the community grieves the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
The Gastonia Police Department encourages anyone with relevant information to contact them as the investigation continues.
