Hickory – On Sunday, October 20, at approximately 7:45 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Catawba County on NC 127 near Leslie Avenue. A 2023 Toyota 4Runner traveling south crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a northbound 2021 Hyundai Palisade. After the initial collision, a southbound 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle struck debris in the roadway and overturned.
The driver of the 4Runner, Bridget McKeirnan Dockery, 51, of Vale, was transported by medical helicopter to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Palisade, Sherl Anne Peak, 33, of Kings Mountain, was transported by medical helicopter to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, in Charlotte, with life-threatening injuries. Her husband, Michael Lee Peak, 46, who was a passenger, was transported by medical helicopter to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries on October 21st.
The driver of the motorcycle was not injured.
The initial investigation indicates speed was a contributing factor in the collision. NC 127 was closed in the area for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. Upon completing the ongoing investigation and consultation with the Catawba County District Attorney’s Office, possible charges are pending.