Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Passing, Speed Resulted In Accident

An apparent attempt to pass another vehicle was the probable cause in a fatal accident Thursday, April 22.

According to the Clark County Sheriff's Office accident report, the two vehicles, a 1989 Thunderbird and a 1999 Acura, were traveling north on the Old Gurdon-Beirne Road after leaving the school.

The Thunderbird was driven by Patrick Stone, 16, of Gurdon, while the Acura was driven by Kyndrian Stafford, 15, of Gurdon.

The reports narrative states Stone was attempting to pass Stafford when Stafford ran off the paved part of the road on the right side.

When Stafford attempted to regain control of her car and get back onto the road, the left front part of her vehicle struck the right rear of the Stone car causing both to lose control.

The Stafford vehicle spun several times in the road on the paved surface, coming to rest about 610 feet from the point it returned to the road after initially leaving it.

The Stone vehicle left the road on the right side, going about 108 feet from where its skid marks began.

The Thunderbird began an end over end rotation, coming to rest on the passenger's side approximately 258 feet after leaving the road.

Stone was ejected from the car at some point, with this resulting in fatal injuries.

According to the report, the evidence at the scene indicates speed on the part of both drivers was excessive for conditions.

Also injured in the accident were Cole Deaton, 16, Adam Gooding, 16, and Bryan Rutherford, 16, all passengers in the Stone car.

Erika O'Neal, 15, of Gurdon, was injured. She was a passenger in the Stafford vehicle.