Friends raise $15K for Charlotte bicyclist’s funeral as police announce arrest
Friends of Franklin David Leal have raised $15,000 for his funeral, as police on Friday announced the arrest of a man suspected of hitting and killing Leal, who was riding his bicycle on a road in east Charlotte.
Leal had just left work at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew when he was killed. Police said a driver hit him about 11 p.m. Monday on Harrisburg Road, near Starnes Randall Road and Saltpeter Street.
On Friday afternoon, police said they arrested 37-year-old Michael Ryan Lambe on a charge of felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury or death.
Lambe was arrested Friday morning at his home, where police said they found the car suspected of being involved in the case. Police previously identified the car as a white 2005-to-2008 model Toyota Corolla.
Donations poured in for Leal’s funeral this week. In two days, 325 donors contributed $15,105, surpassing the $15,000 fundraising goal.
“He was only 24 years of age and was one of the nicest kindest men you’ll ever meet,” friends said on a GoFundMe page created in Leal’s memory by his employer.
“He was extremely hard-working, always had a smile on his face, was willing to help anyone in need and loved all the dogs that he cared for.”
One person wrote: “Franklin loved all dogs ... So devastating. Rest easy.”
Leal’s funeral is Sunday, at Wilson Funeral and Cremation on Albemarle Road.
