Braiden Edward Cole Obituary, Death News – A man is facing serious charges following a fatal crash in Catawba County that claimed the lives of two passengers early Thursday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Boggs Road, near the intersection with Hunsucker Drive. Investigators with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol say 21-year-old Braiden Edward Cole, a resident of Catawba, was behind the wheel of a 2013 Ford Fusion traveling westbound on Boggs Road when he lost control of the vehicle.
According to the report, the car veered across the center line, exited the roadway on the left side, overturned, and struck multiple trees before coming to a stop. The impact proved deadly for two passengers seated in the back of the car.
Authorities confirmed that 19-year-old Savanah Averie Saine of Valdese and a young girl whose identity has not been released were pronounced dead at the scene. The Highway Patrol stated that neither backseat passenger was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Cole sustained only minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A third passenger, who was seated in the front, suffered serious injuries and was also taken to the hospital for medical care.
Law enforcement officials believe that alcohol or another form of impairment contributed to the crash. As a result, Cole has been charged with driving while impaired and two counts of felony death by motor vehicle.
In the aftermath of the crash, Boggs Road was closed for several hours while authorities conducted an investigation and cleared the scene. Troopers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The tragic incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of seatbelt use, especially for backseat passengers. While Cole recovers from his physical injuries, he now faces the legal consequences of a crash that left two lives lost and another person seriously hurt.
