Louise Marie Arnold
By Becky Long
Publisher
A three-vehicle accident at a busy intersection at Myers Chapel Road and Highway 64 on Friday resulted in the death of two of the drivers involved and charges being filed against a third driver.
Louise Arnold, 64, of Young Harris, Ga. died as a result of the accident as did Curtis Lesley, 70, of Hayesville, who was the driver of the second vehicle.
The wreck occurred around 2:17 p.m. Oct. 25 when a 2019 Mac dump truck, driven by Benjamin Jason Hill, 49, of Dahlonega, Ga., failed to stop at the intersection’s red light, according to N.C. Trooper AJ Gorden. Hill struck Arnold’s 2013 Honda Fit.
Arnold’s car spun around in the roadway before it came to rest, according Gordon. Arnold had been driving south on Myer’s Chapel.
The dump truck continued moving forward where it struck Lesley’s 2022 Ford Bronco, pushing it until it came to rest in the roadway, Gordon reported.
The Bronco had been traveling north on Myer’s Chapel Road. Lesley’s dog also died in the accident.
Hill will be charged with two counts of misdemeanor death by a vehicle.
In her obituary Arnold’s family described her as “a very devout and faithful member of Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris for more than 37 years. Her church family meant everything to her. Her abundant love and adoration for her children spilled over into service to the church where she taught Sunday School for pre-school and/or elementary-age children.”
She is survived by her children and her husband of 38 years, Paul Arnold. See obituary A2.
Lesley’s obituary was not available at presstime.
Monday’s fatalities marked the fourth vehicle-related fatality over the past month.