Wilkes County, North Carolina — July 2, 2026 — According to WXII 12 and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a 21-year-old man lost his life following a head-on collision last week.

Troopers reported that the crash occurred along N.C. 16 North near Elisha Staley Road. Investigators say a Honda traveling on the highway crossed the centerline and collided with an oncoming Ford Ranger.

The Honda’s driver, identified as Obaldo Basaldua-Acevedo, 21, became trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency responders. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from the injuries he sustained in the crash.

The driver of the Ford Ranger also suffered serious injuries but is expected to survive.

Head-On Crash

At this stage of the investigation, troopers have indicated that neither excessive speed nor impairment appears to have contributed to the collision. Authorities also reported that both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue working to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys are committed to helping crash victims and their families navigate the legal process.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand? Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.