An Appalachian State University student will be released from Johnson City Medical Center today after colliding with a vehicle Tuesday.

Appalachian Cycling Club President Zeb King was descending Poplar Grove Road toward campus around 2:30 p.m. when a Ford pickup, driven by Charles Farthing of Appalachian Landscape Services, turned in front of King and into the rear entrance of Appalachian Heights, ASU Police said.

King was unable to avoid the vehicle.

Medics transported King to Watauga Medical Center. He was then airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center where he is currently listed in satisfactory condition.

"The first thing I remember from the wreck was I woke up in the helicopter and I had blood all over my face and body," King said.

He said he could not remember any of the accident.

King received 20 stitches to his face and sustained five fractured vertebrae, a punctured lung and a subdural hematoma, his mother Susie King said.

King did not sustain any brain trauma, and is currently up and walking, she said.

Farthing was cited for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.

King is a sophomore secondary education/health education major.

Story: HANK SHELL, News Editor