Update on Monday's Traffic Accident on Hwy 64

The following summary has been furnished by investigating officer Sergeant Jeremy Ledford of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

At approximately 2:48 pm on Monday, June 29, 2015, a traffic accident closed a section of Highway 64 approximately 3.10 miles west of Murphy, NC.  Westbound traffic was rerouted through Caney Creek Road and Old Murphy Road to bypass the accident scene.

Trooper Robbie Ellison had been dispatched to a call involving a wreck in the parking lot of Lifetime Kia.  When arriving on scene, Trooper Ellison advised that the wreck was located across the four lane from Lifetime Kia and then proceeded to cross the highway.

While crossing the highway, a 2008 Ford Expedition travelling westbound collided with Trooper Ellison's patrol car.

The Ford Expedition was being driven by Gwen Connelly of Blairsville, Georgia.   Mrs. Connelly and her husband Larry were transported by Cherokee County EMS to Union General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.   Trooper Ellison was transported by Cherokee County EMS to Murphy Medical Center, also with non-life-threatening injuries.  Trooper Ellison did receive injury to his shoulder from the accident.

The complete accident report is not ready at this time as the investigation continues.