Local

Gaston County restaurant reopens after man drives into it, killing 2

BESSEMER CITY, N.C. — The Surf and Turf Restaurant in Bessemer City reopened Friday afternoon, less than a week after a man drove his SUV into the building and killed his daughter and daughter-in-law.

One patron told Channel 9 people are used to coming to the restaurant after church on Sundays.

The doors were closed to the public since Sunday, when Roger Self, a regular customer who is battling mental illness, had lunch there with his family.

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He left the table, got into his SUV and drove through a wall, hitting a table full of relatives, witnesses said.

Aside from his daughter, Katelyn Self, and daughter-in-law, Amanda Self, dying, the crash also wounded his wife and son.

(Roger Self)

Neighbors told us the crash left many people at the restaurant saddened.

A preacher told the staff at the restaurant it will be a new beginning.

The first customer back hugged owner Melissa McMahan and told her he loved her.

"I want to make sure that everybody heals from this,” customer Wolf Wakinyan said. “This isn't anybody's fault. Nobody shirked their duties."

McMahan had tissues at the hostess stand for customers like him.

"I hear that all the time, ‘Y'all are more than just family,’" McMahan said.

McMahan talked to Roger Self Sunday before the crash and said she hurts for the loss of familiar faces.

"We mourn together. We cry together," McMahan said.

The wooden boards covering the hole created by the SUV have turned into a memorial with messages of love for the victims.

"It's emotional. I shed a tear or two out there," McMahan said.

That part of the restaurant is still closed, but McMahan decided it was time to reopen the rest of the business.

"I felt like everyone (needed) to return to normal as soon as possible," she said.

There is a chaplain on site who is ready to counsel workers in need of assistance.