On Thursday (July 27) shortly after 6:30 p.m., the Newton Police Department responded to a reported motor vehicle crash involving a pick-up truck in the area of West 13th Street and Northwest Boulevard.

A preliminary investigation of the crash revealed that 69-year old Robert Lewis Abernathy, of Conover was traveling alone, southbound on Northwest Boulevard, driving a 2006 Toyota Tundra. Mr. Abernathy ran off the left side of the roadway, jumping the curb, which then caused the vehicle to become airborne. While the vehicle was airborne, it traveled through a fence, a yard and subsequently came to a stop when it landed in trees.

Upon arrival of police officers, Mr. Abernathy was removed from the vehicle and life saving measures were started. Catawba County EMS and Newton Fire arrived and continued those efforts. Mr. Abernathy passed away as a result of his injuries at the scene. According to Newton Police, it appears that Mr. Abernathy may have had a medical emergency episode which may have caused him to lose control of the vehicle.

Anyone that may have witnessed or has any additional information about this incident is asked to contact Sergeant Jennifer Butler with the Newton Police Department @ (828) 465-7430 or jbutler@newtonnc.gov.