By Steve Steiner
Managing editor
ssteiner@elkintribune.com


Tragedy struck at approximately 1:35 p.m. Monday when, according to State Highway Patrol Trooper W.L. Eckard, a 1994 Mazda driven by Jackie Johnson, 26, of Elkin, triggered a four-car collision, leading to the death of a passenger in his vehicle, Angelia Jenkins, 30, of Elkin.

According to Eckard, Johnson was traveling westbound on N.C. 67 near Vestal Road when his vehicle crossed the median and sideswiped the driver's side quarter panel of a 2001 Dodge minivan driven by Sammie Atkins, 77, of Dobson. Johnson's vehicle then proceeded to collide head-on with a 1989 Chevrolet Blazer being driven by Wesley Hutchens, 36, of Yadkinville.

After being struck by the Mazda, the minivan driven by Atkins, whose wife, Joan, 74, was a passenger, went into a spin, striking a 2005 Honda being operated by Sue Norman, 64, of State Road.

The impact of the collisions left the Mazda in the middle of the N.C. 67, the minivan facing west in the westbound lane, the Honda across the eastbound lane and facing north, and the Chevrolet Blazer on the eastbound shoulder.

Jenkins was pronounced dead at the scene. Johnson was transported by Yadkin County EMS to Wake Forest Baptist Memorial Hospital in Winston-Salem. At last report, he was still in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit).

Wesley Hutchens and the passengers in his vehicle: his father, James Hutchens, 56, and Jackie Matthews, 53. were also sent to Wake Forest Baptist. James Hutchens had been in the front passenger seat and Matthews in the rear. According to Eckard, the three men in the Chevrolet Blazer suffered serious facial cuts and head trauma. Wesley Hutchens also suffered a broken leg.

Eckard said the others were not transported by EMS and did not know whether any of them sought medical examination on their own.

It is not believed alcohol or excessive speed was a factor.

Charges may be pending against Johnson following a review by the district attorney's office, said Eckard.