Claremont – On Saturday, September 16, at approximately 8:20 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Catawba County on Shook Road near Rock Barn Road. A 2001 Honda Passport, traveling south on Shook Road struck a riding lawn mower, which the operator was driving south in the roadway.
The operator of the mower, Phillip Michael Brooks, 59, of Claremont, was ejected from the mower and critically injured. He was transported by EMS to Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the Passport, Christopher Chad Miller, 52, of Hickory, was not injured.
The initial investigation indicates speed and alcohol were not contributing circumstances in the collision. No charges will be filed in this case. The riding lawn mower was not displaying any lights or reflective markings. During the on-scene investigation, Shook Road was partially closed in the area for approximately two hours.