WILKES COUNTY, N.C. – A tragic crash involving two dirt bikes has left one man dead and a juvenile injured in Wilkes County, prompting an investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred on Ruritan Road near Ruritan Club Road, a rural area frequented by off-road riders. Troopers say the incident happened when 32-year-old Charles Blevins, of Roaring River, was traveling northbound on Ruritan Road and lost control of his dirt bike, leading to a collision with a 2007 Suzuki dirt bike operated by a juvenile.
The impact caused both riders to be ejected from their dirt bikes. Authorities confirmed that Blevins was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
The juvenile rider of the Suzuki dirt bike was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to officials.
Investigators determined that careless and reckless driving was a contributing factor in the crash. Ruritan Road was closed for approximately two hours as troopers examined the scene and gathered evidence.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation and urges all dirt bike riders to exercise extreme caution and always wear proper safety gear, especially helmets.
