Lt. William Oxendine, a long-serving paramedic and volunteer firefighter, died in a vehicle crash on Tuesday morning, officials confirm. Oxendine, a member of Stanly County Emergency Services for over 20 years, was on his way to work when the collision occurred on U.S. Highway 52 in Norwood, according to WBTV. Despite quick efforts from emergency responders, Oxendine died at the scene.
James Wilson, chief of the Norwood Police Department, expressed the community’s grief, stating, "This is a tragic loss for our community," in a statement to WSOC-TV. Lt. Oxendine was not only a paramedic but also volunteered as a firefighter with the Centre Rural Fire and Rescue Department. The crash occurred around 7 a.m., when Oxendine's 2018 GMC Kenya pickup collided with a southbound logging truck near the Marathon gas station, resulting in his death.
The Albemarle Fire Department shared their condolences on social media, saying, "Our hearts are with Stanly County EMS and Center Rural Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Norwood as they mourn the loss of one of their own who was killed in a vehicle accident on his way to work. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues." In response to the tragedy, nearby fire departments, including Albemarle FD, have provided coverage to support the Centre Rural Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, as noted in their post and reported by Queen City News.
Several agencies quickly responded to the scene of the accident, including Stanly County EMS, Centre Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Southside Volunteer Fire Department, Norwood Police Department, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The Centre Rural Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department shared an image with a black mourning band across their logos in honor of Oxendine. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, and no citations or charges have been issued at this time. Plans for a memorial service are being made, and details on how to support Oxendine's family and the community will be shared once finalized.
