Fatal Motorcycle Wreck

The 3WC family received some very sad news today concerning a former employee of the radio station.  A son of former newsman Bob Benfield was killed in a traffic accident last (Wed) night.  According to Trooper RV McGee of the NC Highway Patrol, 18-year-old Caleb Robert Benfield was on Rickey Road in Bethlehem, North Carolina.  He was operating a motorcycle when apparently he lost control of the bike in a curve, went off the right side of the road, and overturned into a fence.  Caleb was transported to Hickory Medical Center and was then airlifted to Charlotte where he died from his injuries at 8:05 last night.  The Trooper said neither speed or reckless driving was not a factor in the wreck; Caleb simply lost control of the motorcycle.  Caleb was a volunteer fireman and was returning home from a call with his fire department.  His parents Bob and Shelley Benfield are from Wilkes County.  Bob worked with the Wilkes Sheriff’s Dept and with 3WC.  Shelley worked as nurse here in Wilkes.  They now live in Bethlehem, North Carolina, and their family is involved in missions work.