GREENSBORO, N.C. — A 76-year-old woman died Thursday night after driving the wrong way on US 421 in Wilkes County and colliding head-on with another vehicle, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Crash Happened Late Thursday Night
Troopers responded to the scene around 11:50 p.m. after receiving reports of a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of US 421 near Wilkesboro. Investigators determined that a 2014 Ford Taurus, driven by Willa Church of Purlear, was going the wrong way when it struck a 2015 Subaru Forester head-on.
Willa Church died at the scene from her injuries.
Second Driver Injured but Expected to Recover
The driver of the Subaru was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. No passengers were reported in either vehicle.
No Impairment or Speed Involved
According to State Highway Patrol, neither speed nor alcohol played a role in the crash. Investigators have found no evidence of criminal activity, and no charges will be filed.
Wrong-way crashes, while rare, often lead to severe or fatal outcomes due to the impact force involved in head-on collisions.
Investigation Continues
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