By Richard Taylor
Retired Hyde County Superintendent of Schools Steve Basnight III was injured and his father, Steve Basnight Jr., died of injuries following a head-on collision Monday evening on N.C. 168.
The accident occurred at 6:55 p.m. just south of Moyock, near Farrell Mill Road in Currituck County.
Both men were transported to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital where the elder Basnight succumbed to his injuries, according to a spokesperson in the State Highway Patrol District office in Kill Devil Hills.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Steve was reported in stable condition following surgery for a broken femur and crushed ankle.
The men were returning to Steve’s home in Manteo, following a visit to Steve’s mother and the elder Basnight’s wife, who is hospitalized in Norfolk for a recent stroke.
The State Highway Patrol spokesperson explained that Kyra Skinner, 26, (address unknown) was driving a blue 2010 Ford Explorer northbound when her car hydroplaned, crossed the center line and struck the red 2019 Ford Escape driven by Steve.
Skinner and her 4-year-old daughter also were transported to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital; condition unknown.
Earlier Tuesday, Ashley South Basnight, Steve’s wife, posted on Facebook, “We are just devastated. There are no words. Keep Steve … in your prayers.”
From all over northeastern North Carolina, condolences for the Basnights flooded Facebook pages Tuesday afternoon.
Following surgery, Basnight was rolled into his Sentara Norfolk General Hospital room about 2 p.m. Monday, where a nurse presented him with flowers from Ocracoke School. This prompted Ashley to post, “The tears just flowed. We love you. Keep the prayers coming!”
No drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident, the Highway Patrol officer said.
Skinner was charged with driving left-of-center and exceeding a safe speed for the rainy weather conditions present that day.
The spokesperson said the investigating officer was consulting with the Currituck District Attorney regarding possible additional charges.
Steve retired as Hyde superintendent on April 1 to spend more time with his aging parents. The elder Basnight also had an education career as a former teacher, principal and superintendent of Dare County Schools.
Editor’s note: The Basnight’s live in Manteo. The original story mistakenly said their home is in Duck.