Morganton- On Saturday, November 8th at approximately 6:08 pm, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision on US 70 near Snowhill Church road in Burke County. A 2001 Ford F550 was traveling Eastbound on US 70 and collided with a pedestrian in the middle of the roadway.
The pedestrian, Japheth Jesse Obanner, 29, of Morganton succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the collision.
The driver of the Ford, Joan Marie Carter, 75, of South Dakota, was not injured.
The initial investigation indicates impairment and walking in the roadway to be contributing factors in the collision. Mr. Obanner was also wearing dark clothing in an unlit portion of the roadway. There will be no charges in this case.
During the on-scene investigation, US 70 was closed for approximately 2 hours.