Lincolnton – On Wednesday, February 7, at approximately 3:15 a.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Lincoln County on NC 73 near Ralph Ward Trail. A 2008 Toyota Scion was traveling west on NC 73, crossed the centerline, and collided head-on with an eastbound 2021 Peterbilt tractor-trailer.
The driver of the Toyota, Timothy Kent McDaniel Jr, 36, of Denver, NC, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He was not restrained by a seatbelt.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, Jeffrey Thomas Triplett, 55, of Shelby, NC, was not injured.
The initial investigation does not indicate impairment or speed to be contributing factors. During the on-scene investigation, NC 73 was closed in the area for approximately two hours. No charges will be filed in this case.