Hickory– On Thursday, September 07, at approximately 9:45 a.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Catawba County on Startown Road at Catawba Valley Boulevard. A 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling east on Catawba Valley Boulevard, entered the intersection on a red light, and was struck by a 2011 Ford F-150 traveling north on Startown Road.
The driver of the motorcycle, Gary Lee Washburn, 62, of Vale, NC, was transported by EMS to Catawba Valley Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the F-150, Clifford Gene Gore, 71, of Lincolnton, was not injured.
The initial investigation does not indicate impairment to be a contributing factor and no charges will be filed in this case. During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for approximately one hour.