LINCOLN COUNTY, North Carolina — A 22-year-old man from Denver, North Carolina, was killed in a single-vehicle crash early on Sunday, October 25, on Campground Road near Forney Hill Road in Lincoln County, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said in a release carried by the Lincoln Times News.

Source: Lincoln Times News (N.C. State Highway Patrol release), Oct. 25, 2026

Troopers responded at about 1:59 a.m. The Highway Patrol said a 2008 Toyota RAV4 was traveling west on Campground Road when it crossed the centerline and sideswiped a 2018 Hyundai Tucson, then left the roadway and struck a power pole. The RAV4's driver, identified by troopers as William Rakestraw Beardslee IV, 22, of Denver, died at the scene.

The driver of the Hyundai was transported to a hospital by emergency medical personnel with minor injuries, the Highway Patrol said. WCNC Charlotte reported the crash as part of a deadly weekend on roads across Mecklenburg, Union and Lincoln counties.

Source: WCNC Charlotte, Oct. 26, 2026

Troopers said impairment is suspected as a contributing factor in the crash. That suspicion has not been confirmed by any test result released publicly, and the Highway Patrol said no charges will be filed. The investigation is continuing.