Last Updated on April 6, 2026 8:27 am
Two people died in separate traffic crashes in Wilkes County on Saturday, April 4, within hours of each other, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The first crash occurred at approximately 6:28 a.m. on Dav Road near J Harrold Drive in North Wilkesboro. A 2005 Honda Element was traveling west on Dav Road when it ran off the right side of the roadway, struck a culvert, and overturned. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and struck a mailbox.
The driver, Kailey Marie Everette, 22, of North Wilkesboro, died at the scene. She was not wearing a seatbelt. Troopers say speed is believed to be a contributing factor. Impairment is not considered a factor. No charges will be filed. The roadway was closed for approximately two hours during the investigation.
The second crash occurred approximately two hours and forty minutes later, at approximately 9:11 a.m., on South Windy Gap Road near Jarvis Store Road in Wilkesboro. A 2016 Ford pickup truck was traveling east when a pedestrian walked across the roadway in front of the vehicle as it came around a curve. The pedestrian was struck by the truck.
The pedestrian, Douglas Edward Williams, 74, of North Wilkesboro, was transported to Wilkes Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the Ford, David Eugene Mesimer, 68, of Union Grove, was not injured. Troopers say neither impairment nor speed are considered contributing factors. After consultation with the Wilkes County District Attorney's office, no charges will be filed. The roadway was closed for approximately one hour during the investigation.
Both crashes remain under investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
