A man was killed and his wife was left with life-threatening injuries after a man accused of driving while intoxicated hit the couple’s golf cart on Saturday, Oct. 12, according to The Charlotte Observer and Fox 8.
Roy Shane Epps, 58, and his wife, Julie Safford Epps, 57, were struck by Cody Lyndon Pennell, 33, who was operating a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Authorities responded to the scene at 3:10 p.m. on Hickory Nut Ridge Road near Baton Church Road in Caldwell County, N.C. The roadway was closed following the accident for approximately one hour while they investigated, per Fox 8.
Highway patrol troopers said the couple’s golf cart was turning out of the driveway and “into the path of” the Chevrolet Malibu. Authorities allege that Pennell was impaired during the crash. He was arrested and charged with a DWI.
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“Additional charges are pending upon completion of the ongoing investigation and consultation with the Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office,” troopers wrote, per The Charlotte Observer.
Roy was transported by medical helicopter to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, in Winston-Salem, N.C. He died there. Julie was taken to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., with life-threatening injuries, per WHKY. Pennell sustained no injuries.
Representatives for the North Carolina Highway Patrol and Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Monday.
