Ralph Hibbert dies in fatal Old Fort car crash
Fatal Old Fort car crash death of Ralph Hibbert
A veteran truck operator, Ralph Hibbert, met a tragic end when his vehicle malfunctioned during a stop in Old Fort, resulting in a fatal accident that has been officially tied to the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene, authorities reported.
The town of Old Fort is mourning the loss of Ralph Hibbert, a driver with over three decades of experience, whose passing left the community in shock, as officials emphasized his respected status and contributions to their area.
State agencies have formally classified Hibbert’s death as a result of Hurricane Helene, raising the state’s official count of fatalities from the storm in North Carolina to one hundred and eight. This incident is documented as an indirect death stemming from the hurricane in McDowell County, as per a statement from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Furthermore, local leaders described Hibbert not merely as a passer-through but as someone who had invested in rebuilding efforts after the hurricanes, embodying qualities of service and compassion that made him a beloved figure in their town.