HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. — The driver who plummeted to her death after going around a "Road Closed" sign and concrete barriers on I-40 and driving off the road into a large hole on Saturday has been identified, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The victim has been identified as 62-year-old Patricia Mahoney from Southern Pines, N.C.
State Highway Police Sgt. Brandon Miller told WFMY News 2 that Mahoney exited at mile marker seven — where I-40 ends because of damage caused by Hurricane Helene — before turning left and then right to get back on I-40 going the wrong way.
The crash occurred near mile marker 4. Junaluska Fire Chief Chuck Wood told WFMY News 2 on Monday that they were first alerted to the accident after a nearby road crew saw the Mahoney's car pass by.
It is still unclear at this time what caused Mahoney to travel on the closed roadway. Miller said he didn't have any information about why she was in the area, as well as her destination or where she came from.
Mahoney's car plummeted between 75-100 feet from the road to a spot on the bank of the Pigeon River. The Junaluska Fire Department and Grassy Fork Fire and Rescue crews had to set up an elaborate rope system to try and rescue Mahoney, who eventually died at the hospital on Sunday morning.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.
