A 70-year-old Rowan County man lost his life in a tragic highway accident Sunday morning when his vehicle was struck by a falling tree during heavy rain. The victim, identified as Matthew Ronald Teeple of Cleveland, North Carolina, was driving a vintage 1979 Chevrolet pickup truck at the time of the incident.
The accident occurred around 10:10 a.m. on NC Highway 152 near Brumley Road in Iredell County. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the southbound pickup truck was traveling along the highway when a tree, likely compromised by the adverse weather conditions, fell directly onto the vehicle.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but Teeple was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials stated that neither speed nor impairment appeared to be factors in the accident, and the incident is being attributed to the hazardous weather at the time.
To allow investigators to examine the scene and clear debris, NC 152 was closed in the affected area for approximately four hours. Local authorities have since reopened the roadway and continue to caution drivers about the risks posed by falling trees and other dangers during severe weather.
This tragic incident highlights the unpredictable dangers that can arise during adverse weather conditions. Teeple, remembered by friends and family for his connection to the Cleveland community, leaves behind a legacy of fond memories for those who knew him.
