Christian Rhoades ‘enjoyed digging ramps and ginseng. One of his favorite spots was Buck Creek’
Christian Rhoades
By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
When Christian Rhoades told his mother he loved her Friday night, Jan. 24, neither of them knew it would be the last time. Yet, just a few hours after he said goodnight to his mom, Tanya Diggelmann, Rhoades died in a tragic car accident.
Diggelmann said she reminded her son she was working a long day on Saturday and he would need to take care of her dog the next day. The young man donned his backpack to join friends on an overnight trip to Magical Mountain Resorts and climbed into the truck of his friend, Nick Gimino, where other friends were also waiting.
“I will bring him back safe tomorrow Nick told me,” Diggelmann added. She said her only consolation was she was told her son died instantly and did not suffer.
A lifelong Clay County resident, Christian Rhoades would have been 28 on Feb. 9. “He’s made that forever 27 club,” Diggelmann said tearfully.
North Carolina Trooper Charlie Cheeks said the single car accident occurred about 1/10th of a mile on Tuni Road, Forest Service Road 440. The first call to report the motor vehicle accident on Tuni Gap came in around 10:43 p.m.
When Cheeks arrived at the scene of the accident, he found a 2020 Toyota Tundra pickup overturned down a steep grade. The truck was driven by Nicholas Michael Gimino, 43, of Hayesville. Gimino was located near the body of Christian Rhoades, 27, who had been ejected from the car. He was deceased at the scene, according to Cheeks.
Five people had been in the car, two were ejected and three climbed out, according to their statements to Cheeks.
Emergency Medical Services had to do rope rescue to retrieve Gimino and once he got to the top, Cheeks noted he detected a strong odor of alcohol on him.
Gimino was airlifted to Northeast Gainesville Medical Center where he remained as of Tuesday. Two passengers were also air flighted: Cody Mitchell, of Hiawassee, to Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Nichole Threlkeld, of Hayesville, flown to UT Hospital in Knoxville. Jordan Knight, of Hiawassee, was taken to Erlanger Hospital in Murphy. With the exception of Gimino, all have been released.
Cheeks said a warrant has been issued for Gimino’s arrest on the charges of felony death by vehicle and driving while impaired.
Gary Rhoades, Christian’s father, wrote a letter this to the Clay County Progress, which included thoughts about his son. “My son was only 27 years old and had his whole life ahead of him,” the letter reads. “He had a very compassionate and caring soul and was truly loved by many in our little tight knit community, he will be missed. His voice will be heard, his life on earth will make an impact for the greater good.
“I will always love you, my son.”
Rhoades’ sister, Brittany Rhoades, said her brother was well-loved in the community. “He had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. He gave everyone a fighting chance,” she said, reminiscing about going to summer 4-H camp with her brother, even to the Outer Banks. “Christian loved the outdoors and he loved animals, he had a way with even the scariest, meanest dogs. He was a carpenter but really a jack-of-all-trades and could do pretty much anything.”
She smiled, “Mom’s nickname for Christian was ‘Manly’ and some friends called him that, too.” She said her brother was a hunter and fisherman and spent lots time with his closest friends he grew up with, Roman Henderson and Jacob Bruce.
Bruce recalled some of his own memories of his close friend. “After all the years we’ve known each other, he was always as caring as the day before. He was there to hear you out no matter what the story or situation was, he was there for you. That goes for anyone he knew. Myself and all that knew him will forever be grateful of his impact.”
Zera Chastain announced a GoFundMe set up by another friend to help with funeral expenses for Rhoades, a member of the Hayesville High School Class of 2015.
“Christian was one of a kind person. He’d give you the shirt off his back without question,” Chastain wrote. “He tragically passed away. Please help his momma if you can. I cannot imagine what she or his family is going through. Rest in peace, Christian.”
Diggelmann recently lost her mother and her grandmother and she is not sure she can survive this heartbreak. She said her son was her best friend and she was his. “He lived here with me and he would be the first to tell you he was a ‘Mama’s boy.’ Christian was a true southern gentleman — the kind who would open doors for you or light your cigarette,” she said. “He had the kindest, most gentle spirit and would give you his last quarter. He was an all-around great guy.”
The grieving mother shared more about her son. “He loved indigenous plants and trees, so I gave him two indigenous plant books for his birthday and he read his books every night. Every animal he saw. He always had to touch everyone,” she said. “He loved motorcycles and he loved the outdoors.”
Jacob Bruce reminisced about one of the fun times they had outdoors. “There was a camping trip we went on last year where the first night in, Christian’s hammock ripped in half and he had to sleep on the ground the rest of the trip. We all thought it was hilarious.”
Gary Rhoades letter ended, “May you rest peacefully in God’s loving embrace. Until we meet again, Gods speed.”
The family will receive friends from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at Truett Memorial Baptist Church, followed by words of comfort provided by Rev. Keith Nuckolls to begin at 3:30 p.m. Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville is in charge of all arrangements. See complete obituary A6.