Roy Shane Epps Obituary, Death – A tragic accident occurred in Caldwell County on Saturday afternoon, leaving one man dead and a woman seriously injured. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash took place around 3:10 p.m. on Hickory Nut Ridge Road, close to Baton Church Road.
The incident involved a golf cart, driven by 58-year-old Roy Shane Epps of Granite Falls, and a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. Epps was attempting to turn left from a private driveway onto the roadway when his golf cart crossed into the path of the Malibu, which was traveling eastbound. The collision resulted in severe consequences for the occupants of the golf cart.
Epps, the driver of the golf cart, was critically injured and transported to a hospital in Winston-Salem, where he later passed away from his injuries. His wife, who was a passenger in the golf cart, was also seriously injured and taken to a hospital in Charlotte for treatment. Her condition was not immediately known, but the injuries were described as severe.
The driver of the Chevrolet Malibu, identified as 33-year-old Cody Lyndon Pennell from Morganton, did not sustain any injuries in the crash. However, authorities believe that impairment may have been a contributing factor in the accident. As a result, Pennell was arrested and charged with driving while impaired. The investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges could be filed pending further findings and consultation with the Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office.
The crash prompted a temporary closure of the roadway for about an hour while investigators worked at the scene. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the full extent of what happened and whether other factors may have contributed to the accident.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences that can follow. The loss of life and serious injuries involved in this crash highlight the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to remain vigilant and responsible while behind the wheel.
In the wake of this accident, the community mourns the loss of Roy Shane Epps, and thoughts go out to his wife as she recovers from her injuries. The investigation will provide further clarity on the details of the crash and may lead to additional legal consequences for the driver of the Malibu. As authorities continue to gather evidence, the hope is that the findings will contribute to greater road safety and prevent future tragedies like this one.