On Friday, October 27, just before 5 p.m., a tragic accident occurred on Highway 28 North near Turkey Creek Road, leading to the death of one man and the injury of another. North Carolina Highway Patrol officials confirmed the incident.
The driver, identified as Michael James Sheets of Illinois, was accompanied by his father, Michael W. Sheets, also from Illinois. Unfortunately, the elder Sheets succumbed to his injuries, as reported by Highway Patrol Trooper Travis Cochran.
At the scene, Highway Patrol Sergeant Chris Cook revealed that the vehicle was observed traveling in the wrong direction on Highway 28, according to multiple witnesses. Subsequently, the vehicle crossed the grass median, colliding with a tree as it veered off the road, finally coming to a halt at the base of a 200-foot embankment.
Cook stated that both men sustained severe injuries, and by 5:30 p.m. that evening, rescuers had initiated the process of extracting them from the embankment using stretchers. Unfortunately, the elder Sheets passed away from his injuries sometime between then and the time of this statement.
Cochran further mentioned that as of Tuesday, October 31, there were no definitive details regarding the cause of the crash, as the Highway Patrol had not been able to communicate with the younger Sheets, who had been transported to Memorial Mission Hospital with severe injuries. While charges are pending in the accident, specifics were not provided at the time. No additional information has been disclosed concerning the case as of the current press time.
The response to the accident involved various agencies, including Swain County EMS, Swain County Rescue Squad, West Swain Volunteer Fire Department, Highway Patrol, Graham County Rescue Squad, and Swain County Sheriff’s Office.
