Man dies in head-on crash in Alexander County, troopers say

ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — One person died and five people were hurt in a head-on crash in Alexander County on Sunday, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Troopers said they responded to Highway 127 near Rink Dam Road before 8 p.m. for a two-car crash south of Taylorsville.

The crash occurred after a 2012 Toyota Scion traveling north on NC 127 crossed the centerline and hit a 2008 Toyota Prius head on, troopers said.

James Wallace Thompson, 66, of Wilkesboro, received critical injuries. He was taken to the Frye Regional Medical Center where he died.

Four passengers in the Prius, a 63-year-old woman and three children, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a local hospital, according to troopers.

The driver of the Scion, Cierra Leshay Jones, 27, of Newton, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to an area hospital, troopers said.

After an initial investigation, NCSHP said Jones was impaired by alcohol, which contributed to the crash.

Jones was charged with driving while impaired, reckless driving, driving left of center and transporting an open container.

Troopers said additional charges are pending as the investigation is ongoing.

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