Claremont– On Thursday, July 17, at approximately 2:15 a.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Catawba County on Boggs Road near Hunsucker Drive. A 2013 Ford Fusion was traveling west on Boggs Road when the driver lost control, crossed the center line, drove off the left side of the road, overturned, and collided with several trees.
The driver, Braiden Edward Cole, 21, of Catawba, was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. The front seat passenger, Donnie Wayne Wilson Jr., 53, of Claremont, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The two backseat passengers, a juvenile female and Savanah Averie Saine, 19, of Valdese, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Neither of the backseat passengers was wearing a seatbelt.
The initial investigation indicates impairment was a contributing factor in the collision. Cole was charged with driving while impaired and two counts of felony death by motor vehicle. During the on-scene investigation, Boggs Road was closed in the area for several. hours.