Buncombe-Haywood County Line, North Carolina – A tragic accident on US-19 claimed the lives of two individuals on Monday afternoon, August 19, 2024. The collision, which occurred near Groundhog Road at approximately 1:08 p.m., involved a Ford F-150 and a Ford Explorer, leading to the deaths of both drivers and serious injuries to a child passenger.
Authorities have identified the victims as Harry Joseph Marker, 37, of Charlotte, who was driving the Ford F-150, and Melissa Anderson Luther, 57, of Candler, who was behind the wheel of the Ford Explorer. The impact was so severe that both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
An eight-year-old passenger in the Ford Explorer, also from Candler, sustained serious injuries and was quickly transported to Mission Hospital for treatment. The accident also caused two other vehicles in the vicinity to collide, but no further injuries were reported from these secondary incidents.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is actively investigating the circumstances that led to the Ford F-150 crossing the center line, resulting in the deadly head-on collision. The findings of this investigation will be essential in understanding the factors that contributed to this tragic event.
This accident highlights the dangers associated with high-speed driving and serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior on the road. The communities of Charlotte and Candler are now mourning the loss of Harry Marker and Melissa Luther, whose lives were abruptly and tragically cut short.
Authorities continue to urge drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits, particularly on rural highways like US-19, where accidents can happen suddenly and without warning. The investigation into this devastating incident is ongoing.