Two people were killed in an Alexander County crash. The deceased are 36-year-old Joshua Lance Mayberry and 29-year-old Justin Ryan Combs, both of Wilkes County.

On Saturday (August 26) at approximately 11:30 p.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to NC 16 near Mount Olive Church Road. A 2002 Cadillac Escalade was traveling south on NC 16, crossed the centerline, and collided head-on with a northbound 1991 Mazda Miata.

After the initial collision, the Escalade spun out of control and was struck by a 2023 Hyundai Tuscon, that was also traveling north on NC 16.

The driver of the Escalade, 36-year-old Joshua Lance Mayberry of North Wilkesboro, became entrapped in the vehicle and passed away at the scene. A juvenile in the vehicle was transported by EMS to an area hospital, with life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Miata, 29-year-old Justin Ryan Combs of Wilkesboro, became entrapped in the vehicle and passed away from his injuries at the scene.

The driver of the Tuscon, a Vale resident, was transported by EMS to Wilkes Regional Medical Center in Wilkesboro, with minor injuries.

The initial investigation does not indicate impairment to be a contributing factor and no charges will be filed in this case. All occupants were restrained by seatbelts. During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for approximately two hours.