Collisions kill four people in four days in Alexander

Fatal collision reported on U.S. 64 West on August 30

On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at approximately 9:15 a.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Alexander County on U.S. 64 West near Liberty Grove Church Road, according to Master Trooper Christopher M. Casey, of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. A 2018 Toyota C-HR was attempting to turn left from a private driveway and pulled into the path of a westbound 2003 Ford F-350.

The driver of the Toyota, Omie Troxell Echerd, 79, of Taylorsville, succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

The driver of the Ford, Wyatt Gabriel Killian, 18, of Hiddenite, and a passenger were not injured.

The initial investigation does not indicate impairment to be a contributing factor and no charges will be filed in this case. During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for approximately three hours.

 

Man dies in Rink Dam Road crash August 28

A local man was killed in a crash in southern Alexander County this week, according to Master Trooper Christopher M. Casey, of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

On Monday, August 28, 2023, at approximately 7:20 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Alexander County on Rink Dam Road near Sam Poole Lane. A 2004 Nissan Frontier was traveling east on Rink Dam Road, drove off the right side of the road, went down an embankment, overturned, and came to rest on the passenger side.

The driver of the Frontier, Michael Franklin Rockette, 43, of Taylorsville, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He was not restrained by a seatbelt.

During the on-scene investigation, Rink Dam Road was closed in the area for an hour. The initial investigation indicates impairment to be the contributing circumstance in the collision.

Two die on NC 16 north August 26

Two men died in a three-car collision on NC 16 in the Sugar Loaf Community over the weekend, according to Master Trooper Christopher M. Casey, of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

On Saturday, August 26, 2023, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Alexander County on NC 16 near Mount Olive Church Road.  A 2002 Cadillac Escalade was traveling south on NC 16, crossed the centerline, and collided head-on with a northbound 1991 Mazda Miata.  After the initial collision, the Escalade spun out of control and was struck by a 2023 Hyundai Tuscon, that was also traveling north on NC 16.

The driver of the Escalade, Joshua Lance Mayberry, 36, of North Wilkesboro, became entrapped in the vehicle and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.  A juvenile in the vehicle was transported by EMS to an area hospital, with life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Miata, Justin Ryan Combs, 29, of Wilkesboro, became entrapped in the vehicle and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The driver of the Tuscon, Daniel Eugene Walker, 68, of Vale, was transported by EMS to Wilkes Regional Medical Center in Wilkesboro, with minor injuries.

The initial investigation does not indicate impairment to be a contributing factor and no charges will be filed in this case.  All occupants were restrained by seatbelts.  During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for approximately two hours.