WILKESBORO, N.C. – One person is dead and another is in critical condition following a fatal head-on collision in Wilkes County.
The crash happened around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6th.
Officials said a 1999 Subaru Forester and a 2011 Toyota Scion were traveling in opposite directions on NC 16 near Treadway Road.
The driver of the Subaru allegedly crossed the centerline and collided head-on with the Scion vehicle.
The Subaru operator, identified as Shannon Lynn Austin, 46, died at the scene. Police said he was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The Toyota driver, 23-year-old Seth Eric Malone, was airlifted to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. He is in critical condition.
Officials said they don’t believe alcohol or speed were contributing factors in the crash.
NC 16 was temporarily closed for two hours while law enforcement conducted an on-site investigation. The roadway has since reopened.
