Last Updated on September 28, 2026 6:07 pm
ZIONVILLE – On Monday, September 28th at approximately 09:59 a.m., The North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision on US 421 at Mabel School Road, in Watauga County.
A Ford F250 was traveling North on US 421, crossed the centerline and collided head on with a Hyundai Kona.
The driver of the Hyundai, Carol Geiger, 67, of Shady Valley, Tennessee, succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the collision.
The driver of the Ford, Henry Bontrager, 64, of Ellenboro, was transported to the Watauga Medical Center by EMS with minor injuries.
The initial investigation concluded speed or impairment are not contributing factors in the collision.
Mr. Bontrager was charged by Troopers with Misdemeanor Death by Motor Vehicle, Careless and Reckless Driving, Left of Center, and No Operator's License.
