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The Appalachian

The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian

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The Appalachian

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Audio technician dies in wreck en route to Corey Smith concert

A man died in a three-vehicle wreck on U.S. Route 321 in Caldwell County on Wednesday while transporting audio equipment for the Corey Smith concert at Legends in Boone.

Michael Allen Ray, 41, is the victim of the crash.

A tractor-trailer heading southbound lost its brakes causing its speed to increase and subsequently roll onto its side and cross into oncoming traffic, colliding with Ray’s vehicle and another, said N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper M.T. Stutts, who is investigating the wreck.

Two others were injured in the accident. The passenger in Ray’s vehicle and the driver of the tractor-trailer were treated for injuries and released from Caldwell Memorial Hospital, Stutts said.

“Michael Allen Ray was one of the many unsung heroes in the music business that gets no glory but worked hard and would have been seen by all who enjoyed shows at Legends as the person beside the stage mixing monitors for the artist to perform at their best,” according to a statement released by Appalachian Popular Programming Society, which organized the concert.

Ray was a sound employee for L&N Productions in Hickory.

“APPS and the ASU community will miss him dearly,” said Randy Kelly, programming director for APPS.

Stutts said charges are pending against the driver of the tractor-trailer and that possible charges may vary depending on the outcome of the investigation, which is currently underway.

Story: JOSHUA FARMER, News Editor

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