Three Dead, Including Wilkes County Deputy, in Tragic Head-On Crash Near Ruth Linney Road
WILKES COUNTY, N.C. — A tragic collision in the early hours of Saturday morning, June 28, 2025, on Red White and Blue Road near Ruth Linney Road has left three people dead, including a deputy with the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office. The devastating crash has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Wilkes County, leaving law enforcement, friends, and family mourning the loss of lives cut short far too soon.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred just before 2:00 a.m. and involved a Jeep and a Nissan. Initial investigations suggest that the Jeep, driven by Randy Johnson, 62, of Wilkes County, was traveling westbound when it collided head-on with a Nissan driven by Johnathan Laws, 34, who was traveling eastbound. The force of the impact caused catastrophic damage to both vehicles and resulted in fatalities at the scene.
Randy Johnson, the driver of the Jeep, was pronounced dead at the scene. Known locally as a retired contractor and a beloved grandfather, Johnson was remembered for his generosity and active role in the local community. Friends described him as someone who “would give you the shirt off his back” and who never failed to lend a hand when someone was in need.
Johnathan Laws, the 34-year-old driver of the Nissan, also died at the scene. Laws was a Wilkes County Sheriff’s Deputy, off-duty at the time of the crash. News of his passing has deeply affected the Sheriff’s Office, where he served with distinction for over six years. Sheriff Chris Shew released a statement Saturday afternoon mourning the loss:
“Deputy Johnathan Laws was not just a colleague—he was family. He served the people of Wilkes County with honor, courage, and heart. His death is an immeasurable loss to this department and this community.”
A third victim, whose name has not yet been released pending family notification, was a passenger in Laws’ vehicle. This individual also died at the scene, according to the Highway Patrol. Authorities have stated that both speed and alcohol are being considered as contributing factors in the crash, though the investigation remains ongoing.
First responders described the scene as harrowing. Emergency crews from Wilkes County EMS, fire departments, and the Sheriff’s Office worked through the early morning hours to investigate and clear the wreckage. Traffic along Red White and Blue Road was diverted for several hours.
The tragic news has left a profound mark on the Wilkes County community. Flags were lowered to half-staff outside the Sheriff’s Office, and tributes have begun to appear online for both Laws and the other victims. Fellow officers, community members, and friends have flooded social media with messages of grief, remembrance, and support.
“Johnathan was the kind of person who made you feel safe just by being around,” said one colleague. “He was passionate about protecting others and was deeply respected by everyone who worked with him.”
Randy Johnson’s family also issued a brief statement through a family friend, asking for privacy as they process their grief. “Randy was a pillar in our family. This loss is something we are still trying to comprehend.”
Grief counselors have been made available at the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office for staff and officers grappling with the sudden loss of one of their own.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash and is urging any potential witnesses to come forward with information that might help clarify the sequence of events.
A joint memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days to honor the lives lost. The Wilkes County community, united in heartbreak, is now left to support one another through yet another tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of those who serve