A 78-year-old Hickory man is facing charges after a late-February downtown crash that killed a 7-year-old girl and injured an adult man, a case that has turned a spotlight on pedestrian safety along Government Avenue. Police say the driver is now charged with a misdemeanor offense in connection with the child’s death, and the wreck has city leaders fast-tracking plans for safer crosswalks and curbs.
The collision happened around 8:15 p.m. last Thursday near 213 Government Avenue SW when a 2001 Toyota Camry Solara heading west struck two pedestrians, a child and a 40-year-old man, according to WSOCTV. Catawba County EMS and the Hickory Fire Department responded, provided lifesaving aid and took both victims to area hospitals. Officials say the adult was treated and released, while the juvenile was flown out for specialized care.
Police identified the driver as 78-year-old Hickory resident Donald Gene Bledsole and said a warrant for his arrest was served March 4, according to WBTV. Bledsole was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and cited for two counts of failure to reduce speed and one count of driving left of center, the station reports. WBTV also notes the child later died from injuries suffered in the crash.
Just days after the wreck, the Hickory City Council on March 3 signed off on a contract for a downtown streetscape project that will add curb ramps, improved crosswalks and concrete bulb-outs along Government Avenue and First Avenue as part of a previously budgeted push to protect pedestrians, WHKY reported. That coverage states investigators estimated the car’s speed at about 20 miles per hour and found no evidence the driver was impaired. City officials say the upcoming changes are aimed at making downtown crossings safer for people on foot.
Investigation and response
Hickory police say the investigation remains active and have asked anyone with information or video to contact Sgt. Amanda Efird at [email protected] or call 828-328-5551, according to 860 WACB. A warrant for Bledsole’s arrest was executed March 4, and investigators are still reviewing evidence from the scene. Local coverage has also highlighted a GoFundMe organized by a family friend to help cover the child’s funeral expenses.
Legal note
Bledsole’s misdemeanor death by vehicle charge and related traffic citations will move through the Catawba County court system, according to WSOCTV. Police have not announced any plans for additional charges while the case remains under review. Officials say they will release further updates as evidence is processed and prosecutors make their decisions.
