A construction crew flagger was killed in a Catawba County crash. The deceased is 23-year-old Ryan Scott Tanner of Valdese. Today, (June 26) at approximately 3:35 p.m., the North Carolina State 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 of Valdese, passed away from his injuries at the scene. The second flagger was transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center and was last reported to be in stable condition.

The driver of the Equinox, a Sherrills Ford resident, was not injured. Alcohol was not a contributing factor.  Charges are possible pending the completion of the ongoing investigation and consultation with the District Attorney’s Office. 

The roadway was marked as a construction zone. A member of the flag crew, who was almost struck, was in the roadway with a stop sign and motioning traffic to move over. During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for two hours.

[News release from N.C. State Highway Partrol]