CATAWBA COUNTY — With profound sadness, we remember and honor the life of Charles Franklin McCullough, 69, of Claremont, who tragically lost his life Tuesday evening, February 10th, in a fatal crash in the eastern part of Catawba County.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. along NC 10 near Robert Rufty Lane. Troopers reported that a 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5x was traveling westbound when it ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.
Charles McCullough, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Initial findings from the investigation indicate that speed and impairment do not appear to have been contributing factors in the crash. Authorities also reported that Charles was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. The roadway was closed for approximately two hours as troopers conducted their on-scene investigation. The incident remains under review.
While official details provide the framework of what happened that evening, they cannot capture the full measure of the man whose life was lost.
Charles Franklin McCullough was more than the circumstances of a single tragic moment. At 69 years old, he carried a lifetime of experiences, relationships, and memories that defined who he was to those who knew him best. A resident of Claremont, Charles was part of a community where neighbors recognize one another and friendships span decades.
For his family and friends, this loss is deeply personal and immeasurable. The suddenness of the accident leaves a space that cannot be easily filled — a quiet chair at the table, a familiar voice no longer heard, a steady presence now missed beyond words.
Those who loved Charles will remember the simple, meaningful moments: shared conversations, everyday routines, laughter during family gatherings, and the comfort of knowing he was there. A man of 69 years leaves behind not only memories but also lessons, traditions, and a legacy woven into the lives of children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and neighbors.
Tragic accidents remind us how fragile life can be. An ordinary evening drive can change everything in an instant. In the wake of such heartbreak, communities often come together — offering prayers, support, and compassion to grieving families. Catawba County has felt that weight this week as many reached out for answers and shared concern.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring Charles’s life rather than solely the tragedy of his passing. His story did not begin on NC 10, and it will not end there. It lives on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the memories they will carry forward.
To the McCullough family, we extend our deepest and most sincere condolences. May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you, strength in one another, and peace in the cherished memories of Charles’s life.
Rest in peace, Charles Franklin McCullough.
You will be remembered, and you will be missed.