Accident on NC 16 North results in death | News

Shane Reese Cleary, 20, of North Wilkesboro, died from his injuries at the scene, said Master Trooper Christopher Casey of the NC Highway Patrol.

Casey said Cleary was driving a 2009 Toyota Venza south on NC 16 North, directly behind a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, when the accident occurred just before 1:30 p.m

“The Silverado slowed and prepared to turn left into a private driveway, and the Venza failed to reduce speed sufficiently, veering to the left and striking the Silverado. The Venza continued to cross the center line and collided head-on with a northbound 2008 Jeep Liberty,” Casey reported.

“Cleary was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle,” Casey reported.

Casey said Nathan Shane Oxentine, 43, of Millers Creek, driver of the Jeep SUV, was transported by Wilkes Emergency Medical Services to Wilkes Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

He said William Allen Benge, 81, of Millers Creek, driver of the Chevrolet pickup, was not injured. Benge lives near the scene of the accident, which was near the intersection of Nichols Landing Lane and NC 16 North. It was about a mile south of the traffic light intersection at Millers Creek.

Casey said the initial investigation did not indicate impairment was a factor. He also said no charges are expected.

The Millers Creek Fire Department also responded. NC 16 North was closed in the area for approximately three hours for the on-scene investigation.