DWI suspect arrested in fatal crash on Friday
Boone wreck kills local man, injures four
By Melanie Davis
melanie@highcountrymedia.net

A three-vehicle collision killed a Boone man and injured four Friday night on N.C. 105.

A 2000 Ford Explorer, driven by Juan Manuel Juarez Reyes, 24, crashed into the rear of a 2002 Lexus SUV driven by Sallie Ellis Newell, 51, which was stopped waiting to turn left onto Poplar Hill Drive.

Other occupants of the Lexus included Brian Alan Newell, 51, Jacqueline “Jackie” Elizabeth Newell, 18, and Andrew “Drew” Richard Newell, 22.

The force of the impact caused the Lexus to travel approximately 250 feet where it collided with a 2003 Ford patrol car, driven by Watauga County Sheriff’s deputy Perry Scot Brown. The Lexus did not roll over in the accident. Brown was uninjured, and the damage to the patrol car was minor.

Members of the Boone Fire Department, Watauga Medics and Watauga Rescue Squad worked 45 minutes to free the injured occupants from the Lexus.

The extrication was complicated by the fact the cargo area of the vehicle was pushed forward into the passenger seats.

Sallie Newell and Jacqueline Newell, who was seated behind the driver, were transported to Watauga Medical Center, where they were treated and released. Jacqueline Newell is a 2007 Watauga High graduate.

Brian Newell, the front passenger of the Lexus, and Andrew Newell, who was seated directly behind him, were airlifted via Wings Air Rescue to Johnson City Regional Medical Center. Brian Newell is listed in serious condition. Andrew Newell, a 2004 Watauga High graduate, died from his injuries.

Helen Oberlies, 26, a passenger in the Ford Explorer, was transported to Watauga Medical Center where she was treated and released.

Reyes was not injured in the accident. He was arrested, taken before a Watauga County magistrate and charged with driving while impaired, driving without a license, and three counts of felonious serious injury by vehicle. Reyes is scheduled to appear in district court on Jan. 3 in lieu of a $75,000 bond. He remains in custody.

According to officials, Reyes is an undocumented resident of Watauga County and a citizen of Mexico.

Investigators plan to contact U.S. Immigration regarding Reyes’ deportation. If found guilty, Reyes will serve the punishment in the U.S. prior to returning to Mexico.

An accident investigation team is continuing to gather information about the collision. Officers are working to determine the speed of the Explorer. Additional serious charges are expected in regards to the death of Andrew Newell, pending results of blood tests from the State Bureau of Investigations lab.

Funeral arrangements for Andrew “Drew” Newell are incomplete at this time. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Newell family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at AustinandBarnesFuneralHome.com.