Western in Mourning

On Thursday, Apr. 17, Western Carolina University sophomore and Engineering Technology major Cameron Lloyd Wagner died in a motorcycle accident while traveling west near Cullowhee Mountain Road away from school. The accident took place at 11:54 a.m. when Wagner entered a curve and ran off the right side of the road where he was thrown from his motorcycle. He was taken to Harris Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the Sylva Herald and N.C. Highway Patrolman Mike McLeod. Wagner was riding with two friends when the accident occurred. He was wearing a helmet, jacket, and gloves, but the cause of the accident was believed to have been his inexperience at riding a motorcycle, according to the Sylva Herald. After Wagner was ejected from the motorcycle, the bike struck Juan Estrada, 27, who was doing landscaping work in the area; he was also taken to Harris Regional Hospital and sustained minor injuries, said Patrolman McLeod. On Tuesday, the university’s American flag was lowered to half-staff in remembrance of Wagner. His funeral was held on Monday Apr. 21 at 10 a.m. at the North Raleigh United Methodist Church. Those wishing to send condolences to Wagner’s family can do so at www.mem.com.