Two crashes in Hickory have highlighted the dangers of the road, resulting in one woman's death, a man killed, and his wife seriously injured. According to WCNC, around 5 p.m. on Monday, 33-year-old Sidney Lee Baker crashed his Honda Accord into a divider on Fairgrove Church Road at Interstate 40, hitting two police officers and 23-year-old Taylor Pendergrast of Lenoir, who later died from her injuries.
One officer was treated and released from Catawba Valley Medical Center, the other received treatment at the scene. Baker, arrested at the crash site, is now facing serious charges including felony death by motor vehicle and driving while impaired, in addition to reckless driving and narcotics possession, as reported by WSOCTV.
In a separate tragedy, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol told QC News, a head-on collision occurred on NC 127 near Leslie Avenue. On Sunday evening, a Toyota 4Runner crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with a Hyundai Palisade, and resulted in the death of Michael Lee Peak, 46, with his wife sustaining life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 4Runner also faced life-threatening injuries, speed was a factor, and charges are now pending.
The Hickory Police Department is investigating the fatal incidents. Hickory police encourage those with information to reach out to Sgt. Amanda Efird at 828-328-5551.
