A firefighter has been identified after he was killed and two others injured in a crash in eastern Rowan County Wednesday afternoon.
The crash happened at 1:22 p.m. on Gold Knob Road. Highway Patrol says the firefighter was in a pick-up truck and responding to an accident call when he crashed into a Ford Mustang. Two women were in the Mustang heading to a cookout in memory of one of the women’s father.
The Mustang was apparently turning left into a driveway when the pick-up truck crossed the double-yellow lines on Gold Knob Road in an attempt to pass the Mustang in a No Passing Zone. That’s when troopers say the pick-up truck hit the Mustang and overturned. Two women had to be extricated from the Mustang and was airlifted to the hospital in unknown condition.
Michael Goodnight, 55, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to NC Highway Patrol. officials say he was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash. Polly Stokes, one of the women in the car, has a broken hip and cuts, according to family.
The firefighter killed was a member of Liberty Volunteer Fire Department.
The fire department released a statement Wednesday night.
With a heavy heart Chief, Darrin Trexler has officially announced the passing of West Liberty Volunteer Firefighter Michael Goodnight. Firefighter Goodnight has been a firefighter for two years as well as a loving father and husband. Chief Trexler would like to send his thoughts and prayers to the Goodnight family as well as to the family of those involved. The members of West Liberty are also grieving at this time, and the department asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers and that you respect the Goodnight family and members of the department.”
The other woman’s name has not been released.
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