HICKORY, NC – A heartbreaking collision on the night of July 3, 2025, has left a community in mourning and sparked renewed calls for road safety and accountability. At approximately 11:39 p.m., Hickory Police Officers responded to a fatal traffic crash at the intersection of Highway 321 and Clement Boulevard NW involving two vehicles.
According to investigators, a Jeep Wrangler traveling southbound on Hwy 321 collided with a Chevrolet Trax that was heading west on Clement Boulevard NW. The force of the crash was devastating.
The driver of the Chevrolet Trax, 26-year-old Jeana Lane of Morganton, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Jeana, a young mother, was transporting three juveniles at the time of the crash. All three children suffered various injuries and were quickly transported to area hospitals for treatment. As of now, two of the juveniles remain hospitalized, while one has been released.
Further investigation revealed that the driver of the Jeep, 55-year-old Scott Alan Lail of Hickory, ran a red light at the intersection and was impaired at the time of the crash. Hickory Police have since charged Lail with the following:
- Driving While Impaired (DWI)
- Felony Death by Vehicle
- Two Counts of Felony Serious Injury by Vehicle
This senseless and preventable tragedy has left a family shattered and a community grieving. Jeana Lane is remembered as a loving mother and a devoted friend whose life was cut short by an act of reckless decision-making.
The crash serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can bring. Law enforcement and local leaders continue to stress the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel—especially during busy holiday periods when roads are more crowded.
The Hickory Police Department has confirmed that this remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to come forward by contacting HPD at 828-328-5551.
As friends, family, and neighbors gather to support the injured children and mourn the loss of Jeana Lane, the city of Hickory stands in solemn reflection—honoring a life lost too soon and calling for justice and change in the wake of tragedy.
May Jeana Lane rest in peace. 🕊️
