Street Racing Cited In Fatal Firefighter Crash

A crash claimed the lives of two Blowing Rock volunteer firefighters last month, and now investigators have said the men may have been street racing at speeds greater than 100 mph against firefighters from out of town.

The two firefighters, driver Jeremy Bolick and passenger Tommy Wright, were in a Ford Mustang that was all but demolished when Bolick lost control on rain-slicked Highway 221 north, crossed the median and collided head-on with a car carrying Jeffrey and Cynthia Bassett.

Cynthia Bassett, who lost her husband shortly after the crash, said the couple had plans to go out to dinner that night. She is currently at a rehabilitation center, where she must learn to walk again.

Highway Patrol investigators have located a Chevrolet Camaro that left McDowell Fire and Rescue College at the same time as Bolick’s car, and spoken to the two 17-year-old junior firefighters who were in it. Officers said the two teens have admitted that they were racing and did not stop after the crash.

So far, neither has been charged.

Previous Stories: March 22, 2010: 2 Firefighters Killed In Highway 221 Accident