Ronda – On Monday, October 14, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Wilkes County on Clingman Road at Bethel Road. A 1990 Ford F-250 traveling north on Clingman Road struck a pedestrian who was in the northbound lane directing traffic after his vehicle had become disabled and was partially in the roadway. The pedestrian was wearing a reflective vest.
The pedestrian, Lester Lee Whisenhunt, 48, of Elkin, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The driver of the Ford, Owen Harland Ingram, 69, of Roaring River, was not injured.
The initial investigation indicates speed and impairment were not contributing factors in the collision. Clingman Road was closed in the area for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. Charges are pending upon completion of the ongoing investigation and consultation with the Wilkes County District Attorney’s Office.