Wilkesboro -On Wednesday July 1, 2026, at 07:35 am the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to a head on collision at NC 16 North near Elisha Staley Road, in Wilkes County. A 2025 Honda Civic, driven by 21-year-old Obaldo Basaldua-Acevedo, was traveling North on NC 16 near Elisha Staley Road, in Wilkes County. A 2008 Ford Ranger, driven by 60-year-old Martin Harry Halvorsen, was traveling South on NC 16 near Elisha Staley Road. Driver of the Honda Civic drove left of center and struck the Ford Ranger head on in the South bound lane.
The driver of the Honda, Obaldo Basaldua- Acevedo was extracted and transported by Wilkes County EMS to Atrium Health Wake Forrest Baptist Hospital from the collision where he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The driver of the Ford, Martin Harry Halvorsen was extracted and transported by Wilkes County EMS to Atrium Health Wake Forrest Baptist Hospital from the collision. He sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The initial investigation does not suspect speed or impairment as contributing factors in the collision. Evidence does indicate that both drivers were wearing their seatbelts. The roadway was closed for approximately 45 minutes. No charges will be filed in this case.