LENOIR, N.C. — Pink Grant Lackey, 78, of Lenoir, and an 11-year-old juvenile passenger lost their lives in a tragic multi-vehicle crash on U.S. 64 late Friday night, April 17, 2026. The devastating collision, which occurred near Union Baptist Road in Caldwell County, has left the community mourning and authorities pursuing serious charges against the driver believed to be responsible.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash happened at approximately 10:46 p.m. when a 2018 Ford F-150 traveling east crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a 2006 Honda Civic driven by Lackey. Following the initial impact, the Ford veered off the roadway, striking a guardrail and a utility pole before the driver fled the scene on foot.
Moments later, a 2015 Ford F-250 traveling westbound struck the Honda, which had come to rest sideways in the roadway. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but both Lackey and the child passenger were pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of their injuries.
Authorities later located the driver of the Ford F-150, identified as 20-year-old Matthew Braden Frye of Hickory, in nearby woods. He was taken into custody without injury. Investigators say speed and impairment were contributing factors in the crash.
Frye now faces multiple charges, including two counts of felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, and underage alcohol consumption, with additional charges possible.
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