NORTH CAROLINA — A late-night crash in Buncombe County left one woman dead and a driver facing multiple felony charges, including second-degree murder, authorities said.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, troopers were dispatched shortly before midnight on Saturday, March 21, to Alexander Road following reports of a crash involving injuries and a possible impaired driver.
When emergency crews from the French Broad Fire Department and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office arrived, they found a 2002 Toyota Sienna overturned in a tree off the left side of the roadway. Investigators said the vehicle appeared to have left the road at a “very high” speed and sustained extreme damage, with debris scattered across the area.
A passenger in the vehicle, identified as 47-year-old Katherine McCain of Mebane, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, identified as 54-year-old Jeremy Jason Heath of Marshall, was taken to Mission Hospital with injuries. Authorities said Heath refused all tests, prompting investigators to obtain a search warrant for a blood draw.
Heath has been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated felony death by vehicle, and driving while impaired. He is being held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility without bond. Officials said additional charges may be pending.
The crash remains under investigation.
