Jessica Nicole Rhea : “Moped passenger killed, driver charged in Gaston Co. wreck”

A devastating two-vehicle accident in Gaston County, North Carolina, has left one person dead and another facing serious charges. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon along US-321 near Mile Marker 14.

The victim has been identified as Jessica Nicole Rhea, a 39-year-old resident of Dallas, N.C. The driver, Tyrone James Guiles, 33, from Lincolnton, has been charged with felony death by motor vehicle.

According to reports from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash took place around 11 a.m. when Guiles, driving north on the roadway, allegedly made an improper lane change and was struck by a Jeep. Both Guiles and Rhea were ejected from the moped upon impact and rushed to Caramount Regional Hospital.

Tragically, Rhea was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Authorities believe that an impairing substance may have been a contributing factor to the accident. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported.