Last Updated on May 13, 2026 9:48 am
A 20-year-old Bakersville man died Tuesday night in a head-on collision on NC Highway 105 near the Avery County line in Watauga County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:31 p.m. on May 12. A 2017 Ram truck traveling south on NC 105 crossed the centerline and struck a 2019 Ram truck head-on.
The driver of the 2019 Ram, Daylen H. Buchanan, 20, of Bakersville, died at the scene.
The driver of the 2017 Ram, Alex Gil Hernandez, 18, of Zionville, was transported to Watauga Medical Center with minor injuries.
Troopers said speed and impairment are not suspected as contributing factors. Hernandez was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and reckless driving.
NC 105 was closed for several hours while troopers conducted their on-scene investigation.
