Mitchell County Man Killed in Head-On Collision on N.C. 105; Teen Driver Faces Charges

Watauga County, North Carolina — May 13, 2026 — According to ABC News 13 and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a fatal late-night crash claimed the life of a Mitchell County man and led to criminal charges against another driver.

Troopers said the collision occurred along N.C. 105. Investigators reported that 20-year-old Daylen H. Buchanan of Bakersville was driving a 2019 Dodge Ram when another Dodge Ram traveling southbound crossed the center line and struck his vehicle head-on.

Buchanan died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.

Authorities identified the second driver as 18-year-old Alex Gil Hernandez of Zionville, who was operating a 2017 Dodge Ram. Hernandez reportedly suffered minor injuries and was taken to Watauga Medical Center for treatment.

Following an investigation, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol charged Hernandez with misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving.

Investigators stated that neither speed nor impairment appeared to be a contributing factor in the collision. The highway remained closed for several hours overnight while troopers processed the scene and conducted their investigation.

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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.