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2014 Avery High Graduate Dies in Car Wreck Near Linville on Friday Afternoon

By Jesse Wood

A 20-year-old native of Newland died on Friday in a car accident.

BigFoster, Harley, 2-1State Highway Patrol Trooper Daniel Hughes said that Harley Dakota Foster was dead at the scene. Foster was traveling south on N.C. 105 near Linville when his 1998 Subaru Legacy went left of center and collided with a 2013 Dodge pickup truck with a dump bed.

Ronnie Mitchell Duckworth, 58 of Seven Devils, was released from Cannon Memorial Hospital after being treated for injuries sustained in the accident that occurred at 2:46 p.m.

Traffic was detoured for several hours on Friday afternoon. Agencies responding included the State Highway Patrol, Avery County EMS, Linville Fire Department, Banner Elk Fire Department, Linville Rescue Squad and the Avery County Sheriff’s Office.

According to his obituary, Foster graduated from Avery High School in 2014, where he exceled at golf and football. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding his dirt bike – in addition to spending time with family and friends.

“Harley left a legacy of love. He was known for his infectious smile, love for all he encountered and gentle spirit. His untimely passing is deeply mourned by all who knew this wonderful young man,” his obituary reads.

A celebration of Foster’s life will take place at Elk Park Christian Church on Monday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday.

See obituary below:

Harley Dakota Foster, age 20, a native of Newland, NC died suddenly and tragically in an automobile accident on Friday, August 28, 2015. Harley was the beloved son of Scott Foster. Harley left a legacy of love. He was known for his infectious smile, love for all he encountered and gentle spirit. His untimely passing is deeply mourned by all who knew this wonderful young man.

Harley attended Avery High School, graduating in 2014. While attending Avery High, Harley excelled in golf and football. Harley also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding his dirt bike. Most of all, Harley enjoyed life, especially spending time with his friends and family. Harley was dearly loved and loved others in return. His spirit now dwells in a place of pure love.

In addition to his parents, Harley is survived by half brothers Delaney Thomas and Shawn Queen and half sister Brittany Worley; his grandparents, Samuel Foster of Newland and Frieda Julian Briggs and her husband Craig of Pinehurst, N.C.; his Uncle Kevin Foster and Aunt Arlene Foster of Newland; Aunts Lisa Eudy of Charlotte, NC; Laura Foster of Asheville, NC; Uncle Kevin Eudy of Dahlonega Ga. Aunts Penny Hodge and her husband Joey Hodge of Newland and Crystal Gallion and her husband John of Jonas Ridge; cousins Trevor and Ansley Eudy; Cooper and Lilly Foster; Halley Puckett; Cole Storie; Gage and Jack Gallion; Ashley Erwin. His nieces Summer and Autumn Queen, Andrea Worley, and Adalyn Thomas; and nephew Luke Worley.

Others include Great Aunts Betty Johnson and family; Mary Ellen Estep and family; and Kaye Treadway and family; Glenda Rensi and family; Great Uncles Terry Julian and family; Fred Julian and family; Adrian Julian and family as well as a loving extended family and his countless close friends.

The family will receive friends Monday, August 31, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Elk Park Christian Church. A celebration of life service will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. in the church.

Online condolences may be shared with the Foster family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Foster family.