Alexander County Man Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash

A 66-year-old Peter Joseph Gardner was killed Thursday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash in Alexander County.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, troopers responded shortly after 2 p.m. to Rink Dam Road near Wittenburg Springs Drive. Investigators say a 2017 Dodge Durango was traveling east when it left the right side of the roadway and struck a mailbox before crashing into a tree.

Gardner, the driver of the SUV, died at the scene from his injuries.

Troopers say the preliminary investigation does not show speed or impairment as contributing factors. Witnesses told investigators Gardner may have experienced a medical issue before the crash.