WEST JEFFERSON, N.C. – Charges are pending against a 16-year-old in connection to a fatal collision in Ashe County on Wednesday morning, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 9:30 a.m. on NC 163 near Heritage Farm Road. Troopers say a 2015 Toyota Tacoma crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2004 Tacoma.
The 2004 Tacoma driver, 80-year-old Gary Taylor, was transported to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries.
The other driver, 16-year-old Grayson Blevins, was taken by medical helicopter to Winston-Salem. He remains in serious condition.
Troopers said Blevins was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Neither speed nor impairment are believed to be contributing factors in the crash. Charges are pending in this case, the highway patrol said.
