By Lynn Hotaling
An collision early Sunday morning claimed the life of a Tuckasegee
man.
Marselo Garcia-Ramirez was killed when his out-of-control 1991
Plymouth van was struck broadside by a 1995 Pontiac driven by
Samuel Reyes, 23, of Cullowhee, said N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper
Derek Robinson.
The victim's age is not known because he was not carrying identification,
Robinson said.
The accident occurred at 12:40 a.m. Sunday, July 13, on N.C.
107 just south of Speedwell Road, Robinson said.
Garcia-Ramirez was traveling south on 107 when his van ran off
the right shoulder at a high rate of speed, Robinson said. The
van came back onto the roadway and traveled sideways left of
center before being struck by Reyes's northbound car, Robinson
said.
The Pontiac hit the passenger side of the van, which overturned
and came to rest on its side, Robinson said. Garcia-Ramirez,
the van's only occupant, died at the scene, the trooper said.
Reyes's car went off the shoulder and stopped, and Reyes and
two passengers, Enrique Abela, 18, and Pascasio Enriquez, 39,
both of Cullowhee, were transported to Harris Regional Hospital,
Robinson said.
All three were treated and released, according to hospital spokesman
Brian Thomas.
Reyes was charged with operating a vehicle without a license,
Robinson said.
