A Burke County man was killed in a Christmas Day crash. The deceased is 71-year-old William Gordon Bailey of Connelly Springs.

On Sunday (December 25), at approximately 4:30 p.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to U.S. 70 near Rhodhiss Road. A 2008 Chevrolet Colorado was traveling west on U.S. 70, crossed the centerline, and collided head-on with an eastbound 2011 Volvo passenger car.

The driver of the Chevrolet, William Gordon Bailey, passed away as a result of his injuries at the scene. He was not restrained by a seatbelt. The driver of the Volvo, a 25-year-old Valdese resident, was seriously injured and transported by Burke County EMS to Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory. No charges are expected.