Morganton Woman Killed, Three Juveniles Injured in Hickory DUI Crash Involving Jeep Wrangler

HICKORY, N.C. – A 26-year-old woman from Morganton was killed and three juveniles hospitalized following a violent two-vehicle crash Thursday night in Hickory, according to the Hickory Police Department.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Hwy 321 and Clement Boulevard NW, where a Jeep Wrangler traveling southbound reportedly ran a red light and collided with a Chevrolet Trax moving westbound through the intersection.

Woman Pronounced Dead at Scene

Police say the driver of the Chevrolet, Jeana Rose Foster, was pronounced dead at the scene. Foster was a 26-year-old Morganton resident.

Inside the Chevrolet were three juvenile passengers, all of whom sustained injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Authorities confirmed that two of the children remain hospitalized, while one has since been released.

Jeep Driver Charged with DUI and Felony Death

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, Scott Alan Lail, 55, of Hickory, was determined to be impaired at the time of the collision. Investigators say Lail entered the intersection under a red light.

“Mr. Lail was found to be impaired and is now facing multiple felony charges,” Hickory Police told Queen City News.

He is facing the following charges:

• Driving while impaired

• Felony death by vehicle

• Two counts of felony serious injury by vehicle

Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance

Police are continuing their investigation into the crash. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.

“This was a tragic, preventable crash involving impaired driving and multiple child injuries,” one responding officer said. “We need witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to the impact.”

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