Teacher Killed, Another Driver Airlifted After Head-On Crash on NC Highway 16 Near Wilbar

Wilbar, North Carolina — October 22, 2025 — According to the Ashe Post & Times, a devastating collision on NC Highway 16 left one driver dead and another seriously injured after two vehicles collided head-on near the Ashe and Wilkes County line.

The crash occurred close to Grindstone Lane, roughly three miles south of the county border. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a 2018 Honda CR-V driven by 53-year-old Kelly Jordan Holleman of North Wilkesboro was traveling north when it crossed the centerline and struck a 2019 Subaru Forester driven by 61-year-old Laurie Christine UK of West Jefferson.

Troopers confirmed that Holleman, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene. UK sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem for emergency treatment.

Investigators said that neither speed nor impairment appeared to contribute to the crash. The stretch of NC 16 remained closed for approximately three hours while authorities conducted their on-scene investigation. No charges are expected to be filed.

Holleman, an Ashe County native and graduate of Beaver Creek High School, worked as the Media Coordinator at Ashe County Middle School and previously taught in Wilkes County. Her passing has deeply affected the local education community.

In a statement released on social media, Ashe County Public Schools shared:

“We are heartbroken to share that one of our Ashe County Middle School teachers, Kelly Holleman, was tragically killed in a car accident on her way to school this morning. This is an unimaginable loss for our school family. Our hearts are with her loved ones, friends, students, and colleagues. Kelly’s passing will be deeply felt across Ashe County Schools, as she has family members in our school community. Please keep them, and all who are grieving, in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way. Call 704-376-1616 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.