Watauga County, North Carolina — September 29, 2026 — According to WBTV, a 64-year-old Ellenboro man is facing several charges following a head-on collision that killed a woman.

The crash occurred on Highway 421 near Mabel School Road in Zionville.

According to state troopers, Henry Bontrager was traveling north in a Ford F-250 when the pickup crossed the centerline and struck an oncoming Hyundai head-on.

The Hyundai’s driver, 67-year-old Carol Geiger, suffered fatal injuries in the collision.

Head-On Collision

Following the investigation, Bontrager was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving, driving left of center, and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license.

Troopers determined that neither excessive speed nor impairment contributed to the crash. Bontrager was nevertheless cited for multiple alleged traffic violations in connection with the deadly 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.