Medical Emergency Led To Fatal Head-On Crash, Authorities Say

CLAYTON – A medical emergency is believed to have caused a fatal head-on collision Friday night in Johnston County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Troopers said Gus Drellos of Clayton was driving southbound on Barber Mill Road around 8:53 p.m. on August 8 when he experienced a medical episode. His red Chevrolet Equinox crossed the centerline near Vinson Court and struck a northbound white Subaru SUV head-on.

Drellos, who was alone in his vehicle, died at the scene. Investigators believe Mr. Drellos suffered a medical episode just moments before the collision. Speed and alcohol were not a factor for the 79 year-old driver.

The driver of the Subaru, identified as 24-year-old Juan Rodriguez Jr., also of Clayton, was injured in the crash and taken to Johnston Medical Center for treatment. His vehicle left the road after the impact and struck a residential propane tank.

While officials determined Rodriguez did not contribute to the crash itself, the Highway Patrol cited Rodriguez for driving while impaired after consultation with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office.