News Release

Motor vehicle collision on the Blue Ridge Parkway results in two fatalities

Date: November 8, 2021
Contact: BLRI Public Affairs

Update 11/9/2021 at 1:15 p.m.
On Monday, November 8, 2021, at approximately 8:00 a.m., National Park Service dispatchers received a report of a vehicle off the road near Milepost 386 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. NPS Rangers, along with Buncombe County rescue personnel, responded to the scene to find two deceased occupants of the vehicle. 
 
The preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling southbound in a left-hand curve when the vehicle left the roadway, lost control and struck two trees. The operator of the vehicle, Jose Roberto Espino Ruiz, 28 years old, and his passenger Michael Huitron, 26 years old, both of Mexico, died as a result of the crash. 

The investigation is ongoing to determine if there are any further, contributing factors.  No additional details are available at this time.  

Original Release:
On Monday, November 8, 2021, at approximately 8:00 a.m., National Park Service dispatchers received a report of a vehicle off the road near Milepost 386 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. NPS Rangers, along with Buncombe County rescue personnel, responded to the scene to find two deceased occupants of the vehicle.

The preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling southbound in a left-hand curve when the vehicle left the roadway, lost control and struck two trees. The investigation is ongoing to determine if there are any further, contributing factors.  
 
The identities of the deceased will be released pending family notification. No additional details are available at this time.