LIBERTY, N.C. (WGHP) - A bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Highway 421 in Liberty, State Highway Patrol troopers said.

The body of Michael R. Pellegrino, 48, of Stokesdale was found by a passing motorist around 7 a.m. Sunday alongside Highway 421 between Old Liberty Rd. and Highway 49.

Pellegrino was riding a sports bike, and he was killed either Saturday night or Sunday morning, troopers said.

There were no skid marks at the accident scene, making troopers believe the driver hit Pellegrino and kept on driving without even slowing down. No arrests have been made, and there were no witnesses, troopers said.

Debris from the accident scene will be taken to auto body shops Monday to try to identify the type of vehicle involved, troopers said.

Brian Marcum, one of Pellegrino's best friends, told FOX8 Pellegrino was an avid cyclist, and he was planning to ride to the Carolina coast for the first time.

Both the SHP and the Randolph County Sheriff's Department are investigating.