WILKES COUNTY, N.C. — A 55-year-old woman died Thursday morning after a crash on NC 16 in Wilkes County caused his car to go off the road and hit a tree, authorities said.

The crash happened around 8:30 a.m. near the Alexander County line when a 2016 Acura MDX and a 2013 Dodge Dart, both traveling north, collided. The impact caused the Acura to lose control, veer off the right side of the road, and go down an embankment before hitting a tree.

The driver of the Acura, Rose Coerich, 55, of Taylorsville, died at the scene. The Dodge driver, 29, was not injured, authorities said.

NC 16 was closed for about five hours while investigators worked the scene. Early reports indicate impairment was not a factor.

Potential charges are under review as the investigation continues with the Wilkes

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