NEWTON – On Friday, November 4, at approximately 6:15 a.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Catawba County on NC 16 at Mount Olive Church Road. A 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser was traveling north on NC 16, attempted to turn left onto Mount Olive Church Road, failed to yield the right of way, and collided with a southbound 2010 Nissan Versa.
The driver of the Toyota, Gerald Kophen Vue, 25, of Newton, was not injured. A 25-year-old passenger received minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory.
The driver of the Nissan, Gabrielle Christine Dyal, 30, of Hickory, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. She was not restrained by a seatbelt.
Vue was arrested and charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle. He received a $75,000 unsecured bond. NC 16 was closed in the area for approximately 90 minutes during the on-scene investigation.