North Wilkesboro – On Thursday, August 20th, at approximately 3:56 p.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a three-vehicle fatal collision in Wilkes County on NC 115 (Statesville Road) near Laurel Ridge Drive.
A 2012 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra was traveling south on NC 115. A 2003 Toyota Corolla was stopped on NC 115 facing south, waiting to turn left into a private driveway. The operator of the Harley-Davidson failed to reduce speed and collided with the rear of the Toyota. The Harley-Davidson then crossed the double yellow line and collided with a 2022 Jeep Gladiator Sport, operated by Steven Alexander Houston, 40, of Wilkesboro, NC, which was traveling north on NC 115.
The operator of the Harley-Davidson, Johnny Lee Jordan, 73, of Cooleemee, NC, was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of the collision.
The driver of the 2003 Toyota Corolla, Queenie Johnson Transeau, 73, of North Wilkesboro, was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The initial investigation does not indicate that impairment or speed were contributing factors in the collision. The drivers of the Toyota and Jeep were wearing seat belts, and the operator of the motorcycle was wearing a DOT-approved helmet. NC 115 was closed in the area for approximately two hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.
There will be no charges in this case.