SUV rolls on U.S. 221 North

Two hurt; one airlifted to hospital with head injuries

Credit: By Matt Dymond

Emergency workers set up a landing zone for the chopper on the highway.

By: Richelle Bailey | McDowell News
Published: December 06, 2009

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A one-vehicle wreck on U.S. 221 North Saturday afternoon sent one person to the hospital by ambulance and another by helicopter.
At 4:25 p.m., Robert Eugene Suttles, 15, of Lipe Thompson Road in Old Fort was driving a 1985 Ford Bronco south near the Woodlawn Gas House, when another vehicle merged into his lane. Suttles hit the brakes, oversteered and lost control of the Bronco, according to Trooper T.D. Brewer of the N.C. Highway Patrol. The vehicle rolled several times.
Suttles was taken to The McDowell Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and released.
A passenger in his car, 44-year-old Melissa Willis Suttles of Old Fort, was airlifted to Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville with head injuries, Brewer stated. She was not listed as a patient at Memorial Mission Sunday.
The trooper said both occupants were wearing seat belts. No charges were filed.
Damage to the Ford was estimated at $2,800.