Zionville – On Tuesday, November 21, at approximately 3:35 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Watauga County on US 421 near Silverleaf Road. A 2001 Subaru Legacy was traveling north on US 421, crossed the centerline, and collided head-on with a southbound 2004 Toyota Camry. This collision caused the Camry to collide with a 2021 Subaru Outback that was also traveling south.
The driver of the Legacy, Sarah May Watson, 77, of Zionville, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle was transported by EMS to Watauga Medical Center, in Boone, with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Camry, Mitsael Palecios, 58, of TN, was transported by EMS to Watauga Medical Center, with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Outback, Stephen Charles Compton, 73, of Newland, was not injured.
The initial investigation does not indicate impairment or speed to be contributing factors. During the on-scene investigation, US 421 was closed in the area for approximately 2 hours. No charges will be filed in this case.