Vickie Gustafson Key dies in fatal Wilkes County car crash

Vickie Gustafson Key dies in fatal Wilkes County car crash
Fatal Wilkes County car crash death of Vickie Gustafson Key

The unfortunate demise of a female individual occurred following a serious automobile collision in Wilkes County, North Carolina, according to authorities.

State Highway Patrol units arrived at the scene around 7 p.m. on Friday, June 27, to address the incident.

Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of a Jeep Liberty vehicle, identified as 62-year-old Randy Lee Johnson, unintentionally crossed into the opposing lane of traffic. This led to a direct impact with another car, a Nissan Altima. Johnson did not survive the collision and was pronounced deceased at the location.

Inside the Altima, a 72-year-old passenger, Vickie Gustafson Key, who was situated in the rear seat, received critical injuries as a result of the crash. Emergency services confirmed her passing on the spot.

The Altima’s operator, Jonathan Andrew Laws, a 34-year-old deputy with the Wilkes County Sheriff’s office, was transported by air ambulance to a medical facility. Unfortunately, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Two additional occupants of the Altima sustained minor harm and were transported to a regional hospital for treatment, where they are expected to make a full recovery.

Further investigations by officials determined that neither excessive speed nor the influence of alcohol contributed to this tragic event.