Katie Shae Queen Arrested Months After Vehicle Plunges into Lake Santeetlah in Tragic Early Morning Incident on January 19, 2023

Graham County, NC (December 15, 2023) - According to local news sources, a devastating accident occurred early on the morning of January 19 when an SUV veered off Thunderbird Mountain Road and plunged into Lake Santeetlah. The incident tragically claimed the life of 23-year-old Jose Moreno-Romero, while two other occupants, Katie Queen and Israel Cervantez, miraculously survived.

The Accident
The 2016 Toyota Highlander, carrying Moreno-Romero, Queen, and Cervantez, tragically left the roadway around 4:30 a.m. The vehicle descended a small embankment before submerging in the lake. Moreno-Romero, seated in the front passenger seat, was unable to escape and remained trapped inside as the SUV sank. Queen, 26, and Cervantez, 20, managed to swim ashore, overcoming the chilling waters. They were evaluated by EMS at the scene and found to be physically unharmed.

Rescue Efforts
Divers from the Henderson County Rescue Squad conducted a prolonged search in the lake for over 12 hours. The vehicle was eventually located and retrieved from approximately 20 feet beneath the surface around 4:45 p.m. The grim discovery confirmed Moreno-Romero's fate, deeply affecting the local community and his co-workers, including Brook Turpin, who expressed profound grief over the loss.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings
In the months following the accident, Katie Shae Queen was indicted on a charge of felony death by vehicle. The indictment, issued by a grand jury, led to her arrest on December 15, 2023. Following her arrest, Queen was transported to the Graham County Detention Center, where she was presented before Magistrate Kendall Williams and received a $25,000 secured bond.

Community Impact
The tragedy has left a lasting impact on the community, particularly among those who knew Moreno-Romero. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of Thunderbird Mountain Road, known locally for its scenic drives that can, at times, lead to reckless behavior. The loss of Moreno-Romero, a young man in the prime of his life, has been a stark reminder of the fragile nature of life and the importance of road safety.

In Conclusion
As the community continues to mourn and seek closure, the legal proceedings against Queen are ongoing. This accident serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of vehicular negligence and the imperative need for vigilance and responsibility on the road.

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