CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — An alleged drunken driver caused a single-vehicle crash that killed two teens early Thursday morning on Boggs Road in Catawba County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The accident happened around 2:15 a.m.
Braiden Edward Cole, 21, was driving a 2013 Ford Fusion when he lost control, crossed the center line, and went off the road causing the car to overturn and hit several trees, troopers said.
The front seat passenger, Donnie Wayne Wilson Jr., 53, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries, while the driver, Cole, sustained minor injuries.
Cole’s two backseat passengers, a juvenile, Hailey Matney, and Savanah Averie Saine, 19, died at the scene. Neither was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The initial investigation by the NC State Highway Patrol indicates that impairment was a contributing factor in the collision.
Cole told Channel 9’s Dave Faherty that he was sorry.
“With everything I have I am so sorry. I wish they were back,” Cole said.
As a result, Cole has been charged with driving while impaired and two counts of felony death by motor vehicle. His bond was $400,000. He will face a judge Friday in Newton.
During the investigation, Boggs Road was closed for several hours.
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