The Wilkes County community is mourning the loss of 53-year-old Kelly Jordan Holleman of North Wilkesboro, who died Wednesday morning following a devastating head-on collision on NC Highway 16 near Grindstone Lane.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 7 a.m. when Holleman’s 2018 Honda CR-V, traveling northbound, crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a 2019 Subaru Forester heading south.
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Emergency responders rushed to the scene and found both vehicles severely damaged. Tragically, Holleman was pronounced dead at the scene due to her injuries. Troopers confirmed she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Subaru, whose name has not been released, suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to a Winston-Salem medical center for emergency treatment.
Investigators noted that neither speed nor impairment appeared to play a role in the incident. The cause of the vehicle crossing the centerline remains under investigation, though authorities confirmed that no charges will be filed in connection with the crash.
Traffic along Highway 16 was closed for several hours as crews cleared debris and collected evidence before reopening the roadway later in the morning.
Friends and community members have expressed heartbreak over the loss of Kelly Jordan Holleman, remembering her as a kind-hearted and caring individual whose sudden passing has left a deep void.
As investigators continue to review the details of the collision, authorities are urging all drivers to prioritize safety and seatbelt use to prevent future tragedies on North Carolina roads.