News Summary
A tragic accident on U.S. Highway 221 South in McDowell County has left three individuals dead and one in critical condition. The collision occurred when Fason Dayo attempted to pass several vehicles and struck a 2025 Toyota GR86 driven by Jake McKinney. The resulting crash killed both Dayo and passenger Katherine Jennings, and 18-year-old Bryan Corn, a passenger in McKinney’s car, while McKinney remains in a medically induced coma as he fights for recovery.
Marion, North Carolina – A tragic head-on collision on U.S. Highway 221 South in McDowell County has resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left one survivor in critical condition. The accident occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Monday, June 30, near the Rutherford County line, when a 2025 Honda Pilot, driven by Fason Dayo from New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, collided with a 2025 Toyota GR86 traveling north with a passenger and driver.
The crash happened as Dayo attempted to pass several vehicles in the northbound lane, leading to a head-on collision with the Toyota driven by 21-year-old Jake McKinney. Following the impact, both vehicles veered off the road, with the Honda overturning. Dayo, along with passenger Katherine Jennings, 29, of Marion, was killed in the collision. Also fatal to the incident was 18-year-old Bryan “Lil B” Corn from Nebo, who was a passenger in the Toyota.
Jake McKinney sustained life-threatening injuries in the wreck and was airlifted to Mission Hospital in Asheville. He suffers from multiple severe injuries, including a broken jaw, ribs, forearm, femur, tibia, ankle, kneecap, and heel. Additionally, he has sustained internal injuries and brain trauma, leading medical professionals to place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling on his brain. As of Sunday, July 7, his family was informed that the next 24 hours would be critical for McKinney’s recovery.
Witnesses reported that two bystanders, a 67-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy, played a crucial role in saving McKinney’s life by releasing his seatbelt while he was still trapped in the vehicle. Upon their arrival, they found him conscious yet bleeding significantly, with the seatbelt restricting his breathing. McDowell EMS quickly responded to the scene to provide further assistance.
Jake McKinney and Bryan Corn were reportedly returning home from a trip to South Carolina where they had purchased fireworks at the time of the accident. The McKinney family has since initiated a GoFundMe campaign titled “Donate to Jake McKinney’s Long Journey Back,” which has raised over $15,000 to help cover Jake’s extensive medical expenses during his recovery process.
The family emphasized that Jake was in excellent physical shape and exercised regularly, which they believe may have contributed to his survival against the odds. A North Carolina Highway Patrol officer reportedly commented that generally, survival from a crash of this magnitude is extremely rare. The McKinney family continues to acknowledge the support and prayers from their community as they navigate through this challenging ordeal.
In the wake of this tragic incident, the funerals for Jennings and Corn have already taken place in McDowell County, as family and friends mourn their passing. The circumstances surrounding the fatal collision serve as a sombre reminder of the potential dangers on the road, especially when reckless driving behaviors, such as attempting to overtake multiple vehicles, are involved.
As the McKinney family faces an arduous journey, they are grateful for the outpouring of community support, which offers them hope amidst the adversity faced by their loved one. The road to recovery for Jake McKinney remains uncertain, but his family is committed to staying by his side during this difficult time.
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Additional Resources
- WV News
- Google Search: McDowell County accident
- WOAY News
- Wikipedia: McDowell County, North Carolina
- WVNS TV
