Eight-Year-Old Killed Two Critically Injured Burke County Crash

A head-on collision on U.S. Highway 70 near Sundown Road in Burke County on June 8 resulted in the death of an 8-year-old girl and left two adults critically injured. The crash occurred when a 2017 Ford F-150, driven by Benjamin Jacob Willis, crossed the centerline and struck a westbound 2022 Kia Forte, causing the Kia to hit a guardrail and overturn. Both Willis and the Kia's driver, Jacob Alan Ferguson, were hospitalized in critical condition, with Ferguson airlifted to a hospital. Preliminary investigations indicate impairment was a contributing factor, and Willis faces pending charges. The crash caused a road closure for about three hours while authorities processed the scene. Officials have not released the name of the child, who died at the scene, and investigations are ongoing in consultation with the Burke County District Attorney's Office.