CALDWELL, NC (April 17, 2026) – A suspected drunk-driving crash late Friday night in Caldwell County claimed the lives of two people, including 78-year-old Pink Grant Lackey.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 10:46 p.m. on U.S. 64 at Union Baptist Road. A 2018 Ford F-150 traveling east reportedly crossed the centerline and collided with a 2006 Honda Civic.
Authorities said the impact left the Honda sideways in the roadway, where it was struck again by a westbound 2015 Ford F-250.
Lackey, the driver of the Honda, and an 11-year-old passenger, both from Lenoir, died at the scene.
The driver of the Ford F-150, a 20-year-old man from Hickory, allegedly fled on foot but was later arrested and faces charges including driving while impaired and two counts of felony death by motor vehicle.
The crash remains under investigation.
