Moravian Falls – On Saturday, April 6, at approximately 6:30 a.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Wilkes County on NC 16 near the Alexander County line. A 1999 Subaru Forester was traveling north on NC 16, crossed the centerline, and collided head-on with a southbound 2011 Toyota Scion.
The driver of the Forester, Shannon Lynn Austin, 46, of Wilkesboro, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He was not restrained by a seatbelt.
The driver of the Scion, Seth Eric Malone, 23, of Wilkesboro, was transported by medical helicopter to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, in critical condition.
Units from both Wilkes and Alexander Counties responded to the scene.
The initial investigation does not indicate impairment or speed to be contributing factors in the collision. NC 16 was partially closed in the area for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation.