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Friday accident claims life of Franklin woman
By Carey Phillips
One person was killed and two others injured in a two-vehicle accident Friday morning (Sept. 22) on U.S. 23-441 near Pumpkintown Road.
Belinda Madonia Burdette, 45, of Franklin, died at the scene, according to N.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. Matt Wike.
Burdette was traveling north around 7 a.m. when her 1992 Oldsmobile van was struck by a southbound 1999 Nissan Pathfinder that had hydroplaned and crossed into the southbound lanes, Wike said.
The driver of the Pathfinder, Gregory Shane Cochran, 35, of Bryson City, was admitted to Mission Hospitals in Asheville and was discharged Monday.
Burdette’s passenger, 22-year-old Rocky Nichols of Franklin, was also admitted to Mission. He was discharged Sunday.
A small fire broke out in the Nissan but did not contribute to any injuries, according to Wike.
Cochran was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, exceeding a safe speed, unsafe tires and no operator’s license, Wike said..
“The front tires were good, but the rear tires lacked sufficient tread,” said Wike, who noted rain was falling at the time of the wreck.
Trooper Shawn Blanton investigated the accident.
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