Morganton – On Thursday, May 1, at approximately 1:40 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Burke County on NC 181 at Bowman Avenue. A 2015 FedEx delivery truck traveling east on Bowman Avenue attempted to cross over NC 181 from a stop sign and struck a northbound 2006 Nissan Frontier. This collision caused the Nissan to collide with a guardrail and overturn.
The driver of the Frontier, Rex Ivy Powell, 67, of Morganton, was ejected from the vehicle and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He was not restrained by a seatbelt.
The driver of the delivery truck, Talmadge James Belcher, 27, of Lenoir, was transported by EMS to an area hospital with minor injuries.
The initial investigation does not indicate impairment or speed to be contributing factors. Belcher was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to yield the right of way. During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was partially closed in the area for approximately two hours.