Ralph Anthony McKinney, known as "Tony" among friends and colleagues, had been in a coma and on life support in the neuro-intensive care unit at WakeMed since the accident.
McKinney, 42, of 1204 Lilly Crossing, worked with ReMax for eight years and was a broker-owner of ReMax Classic Realty on Neuse River Parkway for the past five. He was often referred to as the "Maverick of Real Estate" in Johnston County.
Before his term as president, he had served the chamber as a director in 2007 and president-elect in 2008.
McKinney was riding on Friday with a group of six friends from Clayton who were in Raleigh to participate in the annual Patriot Ride, which is a part of the Ray Price Capital City Bike Fest, when the accident occurred, said Kim Cregan.
Cregan was riding a bike or two behind McKinney and said they'd just left the National Guard Amory when the accident happened.
According to the N.C. Highway Patrol, McKinney was at the bottom of a ramp going onto I-40 when he lost control. His speed was estimated to be around 20 miles per hour.
McKinney's 11-year-old son, Cameron, was riding on the bike with him at the time of the accident. They were both thrown off onto the concrete.
Cregan said Cameron jumped right up from the fall, but his father was not able to. She immediately took him away from the scene until EMS arrived and transported him to WakeMed, where she stayed with him until he was released that night after suffering only minor abrasions.
"It was amazing," Cregan said. "It was almost like Tony took the brunt of the fall to save his son."
McKinney was diagnosed with brain trauma, several broken bones and other internal injuries.
Cregan, who described McKinney as having a huge heart, said he was always in good spirits and easy going.
"His circle of family, friends, community, neighbors, co -workers and anyone who knew him will make sure that he will never be forgotten," she said.
“Tony cared deeply for all those in his life," said Jason Gracci.
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