Fatal collision in Claremont

On Monday, May 23, at approximately 8:15 a.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Catawba County on Oxford School Road at the intersection of River Bend Road. The initial investigation indicates a 2000 Toyota Rav4 was traveling south on River Bend Road, attempted to turn right onto Oxford School Road, failed to yield the right of way at the stop sign, and collided with a westbound 2000 Toyota Tacoma.

The driver of the Rav4,

Herman Edgar Phillips, 77, of Claremont, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A passenger, Janet Wyatt, 65, of Claremont, was injured and transported by EMS to Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory.

The driver of the Tacoma, Michael Leon Travis, 32, and passenger Vanessa Travis, 37, both of Claremont, were injured and transported by EMS to Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory. A 7-year-old passenger was also injured and transported to the hospital.