20-Year-Old Daylen Buchanan Killed in Head-On Crash in Watauga County; Driver Charged

A tragic head-on collision on NC 105 near the Avery County line claimed the life of 20-year-old Daylen H. Buchanan of Bakersville late Tuesday evening, May 12.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. in Watauga County. Investigators stated that a 2017 Ram truck, driven by 18-year-old Alex Gil Hernandez of Zionville, was traveling south on NC 105 when it crossed the centerline and struck a 2019 Ram truck head-on.

Daylen H. Buchanan, the driver of the 2019 Ram truck, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Alex Hernandez was transported to Watauga Medical Center with minor injuries.

State troopers reported that neither speed nor impairment is suspected as a contributing factor in the crash. However, following the investigation, Hernandez was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and reckless driving. NC 105 was closed for several hours on Tuesday night while authorities conducted an on-scene investigation into the fatality.