Millers Creek – On Thursday, May 9, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Wilkes County on NC 16 near Nichols Landing Lane. A 2009 Toyota Venza was traveling south on NC 16 behind a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado slowed down preparing to make a left turn into a private driveway, and the Venza failed to reduce speed adequately and swerved to the left striking the Silverado. The Venza continued across the centerline and collided head-on with a northbound 2008 Jeep Liberty.
The driver of the Venza, Shane Reese Cleary, 20, of North Wilkesboro, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Cleary was not restrained by a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.
The driver of the Silverado, William Allen Binge, 81, of Millers Creek, was not injured.
The driver of the Liberty, Nathan Shane Oxentine, 43, of Millers Creek, was transported by EMS to Wilkes Regional Medical Center, with non-life-threatening injuries.
The initial investigation does not indicate impairment to be a contributing factor. During the on-scene investigation, NC 16 was closed in the area for approximately three hours. No charges are expected to be filed in this case.