Full release from APD:
APD Investigates Serious Traffic Collision On Smoky Park Highway
Asheville – On 07/11/2012 at approximately 1:06 PM the Asheville Police Department received multiple calls describing a serious collision on Smoky Park Highway near Brookside Circle. Traffic Safety Unit personnel responded to the scene and discovered a 2009 Kia 4-door operated by Tammy Sue Padgett, 40 of Asheville was traveling westbound on Smokey Park Hwy when she collided with two individuals; Gary Lee Patterson, 20 also of Asheville and another man as they were attempting to push a disabled 1990 Ford Bronco out of the roadway steered by Delores Johnson Twitty, 37 of Asheville.
Mr. Patterson, Ms.Twitty, and the other male individual were transported to Mission Hospital. As a result of the crash the males right leg was amputated and he is in surgery at this time in critical condition. Mr. Patterson & Ms. Twitty are currently being evaluated for non-life threatening injuries. The name of the male victim is known but being withheld at this time pending the location & notification of family members.
Ms. Padgett was cited & released for failure to reduce speed. The District Attorney’s Office will be contacted in the near future regarding any further charges. Her first court appearance is set for 09/06/12 in District Court #3.
Sad.