On the morning of Saturday, November 24th, rangers were dispatched to a fatal motor vehicle accident at milepost 268 on the parkway. Local fire and rescue units were on scene when they arrived and confirmed that the driver – Dwayne Blackburn, 45, of Purlear, North Carolina – had been killed in the accident. Evidence indicated that the vehicle had drifted off the road and gone over an embankment, then traveled almost 300 feet before striking a 14-inch diameter tree with enough energy to break the trunk more than 11 feet up from its base. Christmas presents and decorations and windshield glass were scattered for a distance of over 60 feet in front of the spot where the pickup came to rest. The entire cab was completely crushed. Based on interviews with Blackburn’s wife and evidence at the scene, investigators determined that the accident had actually occurred sometime during the previous night. It was discovered on Saturday morning by two nearby residents who were out taking a morning walk. Speed and alcohol appear to have been contributing factors. Ranger Eddy Cartaya is the lead investigator, assisted by field trainee Michael Garner and assistant chief ranger Steve Stinnett.
