Three sisters killed in head-on crash on Moore County highway

Family members told WRAL News three sisters riding in the same car were killed Wednesday in a crash on N.C. Highway 690 in Moore County. A fourth person, the other driver, also died.

Posted 4:37 p.m. Jun 7 — Updated 10:21 p.m. Jun 8

Chelsea Donovan, Brett Knese

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Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporters

VASS, N.C. — Family members told WRAL News three sisters riding in the same car were killed Wednesday in a crash on N.C. Highway 690 in Moore County. A fourth person, the other driver, also died.

According to the State Highway Patrol, the head-on crash involving a 2023 Kia and 2010 Hyundai took place near McGill Road, in Vass, around 10:59 a.m.

Investigators say the driver of the Kia was responsible for the crash, going too fast around a bend in the road before crossing the center line and hitting the Hyundai head-on.

All three victims in the Hyundai have been identified as sisters Gloria Medlin McCrimmon, 72, Cheryl Elaine Medlin, 63, and Viola Medlin Singletary, 74. The trio grew up in Moore County and attended Pinecrest High School.

Family members said they were on the way to pick up a truck.

"They were always together," Jamiah McKayhan said of her grandmonther, McCrimmon, and her great-aunts. "(They were) loving, caring. If you saw one, you saw the others.

"Yesterday was a shock for everyone," McKayhan said. "To lose all three, there is no easy way to put this."

Andreal Medlin, whose mother was in the car, was also devastated. Thursday would have been Cheryl Medlin’s birthday, and the family will be holding a balloon release in her honor.

"I was supposed to be celebrating her, not burying her," Andreal Medlin said. "Worst feeling in my life."

Sole survivor a shock to cousin at scene of crash

The Sandhills Sentinel reported the passenger of the Kia was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries.

Wayne Davis witnessed the crash and said he stopped on the scene and offered help, only to learn the lone survivor was his cousin.

"I hadn't seen my cousin in eight years, and there was blood around her face," said Davis.

He told WRAL he was driving on Highway 690 after leaving work when the incident happened.

"I couldn't recognize that was my cousin," said Davis. "I think mostly because I hadn't seen her in a long time and the incident had just happened in front of me."

The crash was a harsh encounter for Davis.

"Next thing I know, I saw a car spinning," said Davis. "A gray sedan spinning at me and transmission and parts from the motor being flung at my work truck while I was riding down 690 highway."

The force from the impact was so powerful the engines of both cars were completely detached.

Davis' cousin, who he identifies as Suzanne Beasley, rode in the car with the driver, investigators say miscalculated a curve and crossed the center line.

"It breaks my heart, but at the same time, I was there," said Davis. "Glad my 911 call was able to get through."

That sole survivor of the crash remains in the hospital with serious injuries.

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