Beech Mountain Man Fatally Injured In Accident


Authorities are still investigating an accident that took the life of a Banner Elk man yesterday morning. The accident took place on Beech Mountain Parkway when Freedie Froggy Jr. of Boiling Springs South Carolina, driver of the 97 Chevrolet Dualie Truck, lost his brakes while going down the mountain pulling a car hauler with 2 vehilces. According to Trooper Alan Greer of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Foggie then entered a curve at a high rate of speed which threw the vehicles off of the hauler and into oncoming traffic. One of the vehicles stuck an oncoming 2011 Jeep Wrangler driven by 72 year old Glen Edward Cross of Beech Mountain, who also has a home in Lithia, Florida. Cross was pronounced dead on the scene of the accident. The other vehicle struck a vehicle driven by Michael Winkler who was traveling behind cross. Winkler was able to get slowed down in time and although the vehicle was totaled, Winkler suffered no serious injury. Trooper Greer stated that Foggie was charged with Misdemeanor Death by Vehicle in the accident. The Motor Carrier Division is currently investigating the truck that Foggie was driving, including inspecting the breaks and whether or not the vehicles were properly secured on the hauler. More charges are expected to be brought against Foggie in the incident. Beech Mountain Parkway was closed for several hours while authorities and rescue units cleared the scene. Drivers waited in local business parking lots at the foot of the mountain. The mountain was re-opened at around 2:30pm.