Six Die In One Head-On Crash in Transylvania County, NC | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that a sixth victim has died after a horrific head-on crash in Brevard, North Carolina. Two other crash victims remain in the hospital in stable condition following the car accident.

The accident occurred at 3 pm on Sunday, April 19, on Highway 64 near Cauble Road in Transylvania County, closing the road for about three hours in both directions. The North Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating why the accident took place, as neither driver was using alcohol or drugs and as neither driver has a history of medical problems. Particularly puzzling is the lack of brake marks on the road, suggesting that the drivers did not slow down at all before the collision. The vehicles were traveling at around 55 miles per hour.

A Chevy truck and a Honda Accord were involved in the accident – and police say it was the Chevy truck that left its lane and crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic. The Honda Accord was carrying seven people, including five children.

Joi Mari Mathis, 29, of Asheville, NC, was driving the Honda. Also killed were passengers Christopher Jermaine Burgin, 32, of Black Mountain, NC; his son Christian “JoJo” Burgin, 9, of Candler, NC; and Keyshawn Johnson, 8, of Asheville, NC, a son of Mathis. Isiah Johnson, 7, another son of Mathis, died later at Greenville South Carolina Memorial Hospital. The driver of the truck, Daniel Kayce Norris, 20, was also killed.

Police speculate that the driver of the truck may have either been distracted or possibly asleep at the wheel. Many involved were not wearing seat belts, including the children.