A man has been charged in connection to a fatal crash in Catawba County. In reference to the collision on NC 150 Monday (June 26), the North Carolina State Highway Patrol has charged 80-year-old Jerry Lee Johnson of Sherrills Ford. The charges are misdemeanor death by vehicle and not decreasing speed as necessary to avoid colliding with a person. 

23-year-old Ryan Scott Tanner of Valdese was killed in the crash. On Monday at approximately 3:35 p.m., Highway Patrol responded to NC 150 near Vinewood Road. A 2019 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling west on NC 150 and struck two construction crew flaggers that were in the roadway moving traffic cones. 

Ryan Scott Tanner passed away from his injuries at the scene. The second flagger was transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center for treatment. Johnson’s first court appearance is on December 8, 2023.