Full announcement from the Asheville Police Department:

On September 17, 2012 at 9:14 pm Asheville Police Officers went to a report of a motor vehicle collision on Hendersonville Road near the intersection with Mills Gap Road. Preliminary investigation by APD Traffic Safety Unit indicates that a 1996 Nissan Maxima operated by Kelly Jean Sheppard was traveling southbound on Hendersonville Road when the vehicle crossed three lanes of travel, left the roadway to the left and struck a utility pole breaking it off at its base. The vehicle continued to travel further to the left of the roadway and struck a sapling, a fence, and an embankment. The vehicle finally came to rest on its top in a creek bed trapping both occupants who had to be extricated.

Ms. Sheppard was transported to Mission Hospital by EMS where she succumbed to her injuries while being treated by Mission Hospital staff. Mission Hospital Chaplains contacted the next of kin (Ms. Sheppard’s parents) who live in Florida.

Also in the car was her 5 year old son was also transported by EMS to Mission Hospital where he was treated for a laceration to his head. He was released to a family friend at the request of Ms. Sheppard's parent's who will be attempting to obtain a flight into Asheville this morning.

Investigation is ongoing as to what caused this traffic crash.