Breaking News: Tragic Crash Claims Life of Wilkes County Deputy and Two Others on Red, White and Blue Road

Wilkes County, North Carolina — June 30, 2025 — According to WXII 12 and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a devastating collision has claimed the lives of three individuals, including a respected deputy with the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office, and left two others injured.

The incident occurred on Red White and Blue Road near the intersection with Ruth Linney Road. Authorities say a 2003 Jeep Liberty traveling northbound crossed the centerline and struck a southbound 2018 Nissan Altima in a head-on impact.

The Jeep’s driver, identified as 62-year-old Randy Johnson, died at the scene. State troopers noted that Johnson was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The driver of the Nissan Altima, 34-year-old Jonathan Laws, was airlifted to a nearby hospital but tragically passed away from his injuries. Laws served as a lieutenant with the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office and was widely known and admired within the local law enforcement community.

A passenger in the Nissan’s backseat, 72-year-old Vickie Key, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers in the vehicle—a 32-year-old adult and a 7-year-old child—suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment.

Red White and Blue Road remained closed for approximately two hours as investigators processed the scene. Early findings from the Highway Patrol indicate that neither speed nor alcohol appear to have contributed to the crash.

The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office issued a heartfelt tribute to Lieutenant Laws following confirmation of his passing:

“Lieutenant Jonathan Laws will be missed beyond words, and the impact he left upon the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office and his community will be remembered for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the rest of the Law Enforcement Community that has had the pleasure of working with Jonathan. Jonathan was a proud father, devoted husband, caring son, and brother to admire. Jonathan was a quiet man, fun-loving, and always found a way to connect with everyone he met and make an impression on them. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and he will always remain in our hearts and minds here within this Office.”

Authorities are continuing to gather additional information related to the collision. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has not released further updates as of this writing.

Our thoughts are with the friends, family, and loved ones of the deceased.

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.