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Barkers Creek Tragic Collision: Critical Injuries, a Fatal Outcome, and a Search for Missing Dog on December 12, 2023

Published Date: December 23, 2023

Note: Our firm’s mission is to help people injured in accidents. Because we do this work, we see the consequences of these accidents on the victims and the families. Through these articles, we aim to foster a safer community and provide support to those affected by such tragedies. 

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Jackson County, NC (December 12, 2023) - Local news outlets report a devastating accident in the Barkers Creek area, involving a fatal collision that led to significant disruptions and a heart-wrenching search for a missing pet. On December 12, a tragic turn of events unfolded on the Smoky Mountain Expressway in Jackson County, starting with a critical error in judgment.

Teresa Gayle Fee, a 62-year-old Sylva resident, was driving a 2007 Jeep Liberty when she attempted to turn onto Barkers Creek Road from the westbound lane of U.S. 74/441. This maneuver brought her into the path of an eastbound 2021 Subaru passenger car, driven by 28-year-old Courtney Dee Taylor from Cherokee. According to Trooper Tyson Crawford of the N.C. Highway Patrol, Fee failed to notice the oncoming vehicle, leading to a nearly head-on collision.

The impact of the crash resulted in dire consequences. Fee was rushed to Harris Regional Hospital and then to Mission Hospital via Mountain Area Medical Airlift. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her massive injuries. Gina Middleton Oakley, Fee's 60-year-old passenger from Sylva, was also critically injured and transported to Mission Hospital.

The emotional toll of the crash extended beyond physical injuries. Oakley’s daughter, Hannah, shared the deep personal loss her mother suffered: the death of her best friend, Teresa, and the disappearance of her beloved chihuahua, Lucy. The small brown dog, a constant companion of Oakley, was reportedly seen near the crash site but vanished shortly after. The family’s desperate search for Lucy has become a poignant symbol of their hope amid tragedy.

Hannah Oakley’s heart-wrenching account reveals the layers of loss suffered: "Your vehicle's gone, your body is broken from head to toe, literally, and your best friend's gone -- and now Lucy,” she lamented. The family also seeks a white stuffed bear of sentimental value, believed to be at Mission Hospital, which serves as a remembrance of a lost grandson.

Courtney Dee Taylor and her son, Kegan, 10, also involved in the accident, sustained injuries but were in stable condition. Kegan suffered a minor thumb injury. Trooper Crawford noted that Taylor was traveling at the speed limit with no signs of braking and weather was not a factor in the crash.

The incident caused extensive traffic disruption, with delays lasting over an hour. Personnel from the NCHP, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, rescue squad, Qualla Fire Department, and N.C. Fish and Wildlife officers, who were first on the scene, coordinated the response efforts.

In the aftermath, no charges have been filed, but the incident leaves a lasting impact on the community. It’s a reminder of the fragility of life and the sudden turns of fate that can alter lives irrevocably.


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The recent tragic accident at Barkers Creek has left the community in shock and sorrow. In such times, understanding the legal aspects and getting the right support is crucial. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, a respected law firm in Charlotte, NC, stands ready to provide compassionate legal assistance to those affected by this heartbreaking incident.

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Dealing with insurance companies post-accident can be a complex and often frustrating experience. Rosensteel Fleishman's lawyers are adept at navigating these waters, advocating for fair treatment and rightful compensation for their clients. They work tirelessly to ensure that the victims of the Barkers Creek accident are not left struggling with financial burdens on top of their emotional and physical pain.

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Disclaimer: This article is compiled from various secondary sources to provide insights into recent accidents. We have not been able to independently verify all details. Our firm respects the privacy and dignity of those involved and is willing to amend or remove content at the request of affected parties. We understand the emotional and physical toll of traffic accidents and extend our deepest sympathies to those affected. If you find any discrepancies or outdated information, or if you are an affected party, please contact us at 704-714-1450 or send us a message.

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