Rhodhiss – On Sunday, February 9, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Burke County on Airport Rhodhiss Road near Nelson Gates Street. A 2002 Dodge Dakota traveling east on Airport Rhodhiss Road, lost control, crossed the centerline, and collided head-on with a westbound 2003 Lincoln Town Car.
The driver of the Dodge, Gregory Neal Huffman, 54, of Hickory, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Huffman was not restrained by a seatbelt.
The driver of the Lincoln, Charles Verle Kistler Jr., 45, of Connelly Springs, succumbed to his injuries while being transported by EMS to an area hospital.
The initial investigation indicates speed was a contributing factor in the collision. Airport Rhodhiss Road was closed in the area for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation.