Three sisters were tragically killed in a head-on collision in North Carolina just a day before one of them was to celebrate her birthday, according to local authorities.

The victims have been identified as Viola Medlin Singletary, 74, Gloria Medlin McCrimmon, 72, and Cheryl Elaine Medlin, 63. The incident took place on Wednesday, June 7, on Highway 690 in Moore County when a 2023 KIA, traveling in the opposite direction, crossed the center line and collided with their silver 2010 Hyundai, as reported by the State Highway Patrol officials.

The collision resulted in the destruction of the sisters’ vehicle and the death of the KIA’s driver. The youngest sister would have turned 64 on Thursday. A passenger in the KIA, Suzanne Beasley, survived the accident but sustained serious injuries. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Authorities reported that the crash occurred around 10:59 am, when the unidentified KIA driver, allegedly traveling at an excessive speed, lost control around a bend, resulting in the head on collision with the sisters’ vehicle. Family members revealed that the sisters were en route to pick up a truck as part of the preparations for Cheryl Medlin’s upcoming 64th birthday celebration. In memory of Cheryl, the family plans to hold a balloon release ceremony.

Wayne Davis, a cousin of Suzanne Beasley, witnessed the crash while on the road and rushed to offer help, only to discover his injured cousin involved in the accident. Davis described the scene, saying, “I hadn’t seen my cousin in eight years and there was blood around her face. I couldn’t recognize that it was my cousin.” The impact of the collision caused the Hyundai to spin out of control, with debris from the engine striking Davis’ work truck.

The State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that the KIA’s excessive speed and reckless driving were contributing factors in the crash.