A Watauga County grand jury has formally indicted Alex G. Hernandez, a 19-year-old resident of Zionville, on serious charges stemming from a fatal vehicle crash earlier this year. According to court records, Hernandez faces charges of felony death by vehicle and driving while impaired. These legal actions follow a collision that occurred on May 12 on N.C. 105, which tragically resulted in the death of Daylen H. Buchanan, a 20-year-old from Bakersville. The indictment signifies that the grand jury found sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial on these felony charges.
Details regarding the nature of the collision were provided by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Their investigation indicated that Hernandez was operating a 2017 Ram truck. He was traveling southbound on N.C. 105 when his vehicle crossed the centerline of the roadway. This deviation led to a direct head-on impact with a 2019 Ram truck. That other vehicle was being driven by Buchanan. The crash occurred on May 12, as reported by authorities, and involved two vehicles traveling in opposing directions on the state highway.
The impact of the collision was severe, leading to immediate and tragic consequences. Daylen H. Buchanan, 20, of Bakersville, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on N.C. 105. Alex G. Hernandez, the driver of the other vehicle, was transported to Watauga Medical Center following the incident. Despite the significant nature of the head-on collision, Hernandez sustained only minor injuries, as confirmed by reports from the scene.
Following the investigation and subsequent indictment, Hernandez's legal process continued with an appearance before a magistrate. According to court records, a secured bond for Hernandez was set at $50,000 on October 7. The swift progression of legal steps saw the bond being posted through a bail bond company on the very same day it was set, allowing for Hernandez's release while awaiting further court proceedings. This development in the case reflects the initial stages of the judicial process following the grand jury's decision to indict.
The charges of felony death by vehicle and driving while impaired are significant, reflecting the gravity of the incident that occurred on N.C. 105. The indictment by the Watauga County grand jury represents a formal determination that there is probable cause for the case to move forward in the judicial system. Such indictments mark a critical stage in felony cases, transitioning from investigation to prosecution. The judicial process will continue as the case progresses through Watauga County courts, addressing the serious allegations related to the May 12 crash that claimed Daylen H. Buchanan's life.
