Durham Budget Director Dies in Orange County After Being Struck By Driver

An Efland motorist faces charges after striking and killing a bicyclist on Thursday morning, who was the City of Durham’s budget director.

John Allore was cycling along the two-lane Bradshaw Quarry Road near Orange Grove Road in southwestern Orange County when he was struck by the driver of a 2020 Toyota car, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. When troopers arrived at the scene around 7 a.m. after a 911 call, Allore was found dead.

According to a release from the agency, 26-year-old Karen Denisse Maldonado — an Efland resident — was arrested and charged after an investigation into the collision. Maldonado was driving west and struck the rear of Allore’s bicycle. The State Highway Patrol says she is charged with ‘failure to reduce speed to include misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.’

Allore, who was listed as having a Chapel Hill address just north of Carrboro, worked for the City of Durham for decades before being promoted to budget director in 2021. The city, as well as local elected officials, shared messages on social media mourning Allore on Thursday and Friday.

We are saddened to share that our Budget Director, John Allore, was tragically killed in a biking accident yesterday in Orange Co.

John was a dedicated public servant, a loving father of three daughters, & a loyal friend.

Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts & prayers. pic.twitter.com/pqtoUt9fY0

— CityofDurhamNC (@CityofDurhamNC) March 31, 2023

Durham, my apologies for the sudden tweet earlier. I’d learned something tragic but could not share yet. However, I meant it. 🙏🏾 for our city and especially our staff. Today, we lost a superstar, Budget Dir. John Allore. On top of all else, these are turbulent times. 🙏🏾 to all.

— Leonardo Williams (@LeoForDurham) March 31, 2023

https://twitter.com/JillianDURM/status/1641764659681284098?s=20

I’m saddened to learn of the death of John Allore yesterday. John lived in Carrboro for the past 25 years. We connected years ago over our bike-bus commutes to Durham, where John was budget director for the city. Much love to John’s daughters and all his family and friends. 💚

— Damon Seils (@damonseils) March 31, 2023

In addition to his efforts in local government, Allore also was known for his efforts in documenting his sister’s death in 1978. He authored a book “Wish You Were Here: A Murdered Girl, a Brother’s Quest and the Hunt for a Serial Killer” about the search for answers to how his sibling, Theresa Allore, died and who her killer may be. According to The Montreal Gazette, a Canadian television channel is set to air a program Friday night about Theresa’s disappearance and Allore was set to return to Canada this weekend to continue work on a documentary project about her death.

Allore was also known for a podcast sharing his sister’s story, a regular Substack newsletter, and his involvement in the local theater community. He was 59 years old.

Photo via the City of Durham.

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Durham Budget Director Dies in Orange County After Being Struck By Driver

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