Two Boone residents

killed in head-on collision
By Melanie Davis
Melanie@highcountrymedia.net

A head-on collision claimed the lives of two motorists on U.S. 321 Thursday afternoon. The accident occurred approximately one mile south of Boone at 3:50 p.m.

Thomas Edward Younce, 67, of Boone was traveling north toward Boone when the 1999 Lexus SUV he was driving crossed the centerline. Younce collided in a direct head-on impact with southbound a 2000 Subaru Forrester driven by Terrie Pillion Whitt, 45, of Boone.

Investigating officer C. Morgan of the N.C. Highway Patrol estimated a 90 mph impact, due to both vehicles traveling at the 45 mph speed limit.

Whitt was pronounced dead at the scene.

Members of the Boone Fire Department used extrication equipment to free her body from the wreckage.

Whitt's only passenger was a canine companion, which was uninjured in the accident. A friend of Whitt was called to the scene to pick up the dog.

Younce was transported to the Watauga Medical Center, where he later died.

Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and air bags were deployed in both vehicles.

Morgan said the investigation is continuing. It is unclear what caused Younce to cross the centerline, and there were no skid marks at the accident scene. Younce did have a medical history of heart problems. A medical examiner report is pending.