A man wanted in a deadly crash in McDowell County last week has been caught.
Authorities report 32 year old Wesley James Morgan, of Marion, was arrested Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Gaston County.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to a single-vehicle collision on Yancey Road about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2023. The passenger, 35 year old Malorie Nicole Padgett, of Marion, was pronounced dead on the scene. Morgan, the driver, was flown to Mission Hospital.
Troopers said Morgan, who had been contacted by authorities about turning himself in because of pending charges, was released from the hospital on Wednesday.
Trooper Rohn W. Silvers said Mr. Morgan failed to turn himself in and instead attempted to flee.
Morgan was wanted for felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger and other traffic violations in connection to the crash.
The U.S. Marshals Service found Morgan in the Bessemer City area and took him into custody. He was turned over to the Highway Patrol and is being held in the McDowell County jail under a $300,000 bond.
