Two Horses Killed, One Rider Critical After Being Struck by Truck

Sunday, July 11, 2010

A Robbins man is still clinging to life in the hospital after he and another h

Audio clip

911 Call

orseback rider were struck by a suspected drunk driver after the Carthage Fourth of July parade.

Charles Monroe, 61, and Matthew Alan Sheffield, 20, were struck from behind by a truck as they and another rider were -making their way up the side of N.C. 22 toward High Falls after the parade Saturday, July 3, according to the State Highway Patrol.

Both of their horses were killed.

"A man on a horse just got hit by a car!" a 911 caller said. "He's lying beside the road. He's barely breathing ... partially in the roadway, partially on the side."

Monroe was airlifted to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where he remained in critical condition in the surgical intensive care unit, according to hospital spokesman Tom Hughes.

Sheffield was not seriously injured. The third rider, whose name was unavailable, and his horse were uninjured.

"When I arrived on the scene, there were two horses that were killed," said 1st Sgt. J.D. Simmons, a supervisor with the Highway Patrol's Aberdeen office. "There was another horse there that was not struck."

Gina Lynn Key, 35, of 1400 Wilson Road, which is in High Falls, was arrested and charged with driving while impaired and with making an unsafe lane change. She lost her driver's license to a civil revocation as a result of being charged with a DWI and has a court appearance set for Sept. 9 in Criminal District Court. She was not jailed.

Trooper J.B. Stewart investigated the accident. He was off duty Friday and could not be reached for comment.

The accident happened at 4:12 p.m., the Highway Patrol report said. Key was -driving a 2002 Toyota truck.

"Two horses were struck on the right side, on the shoulder (of the road)," Simmons said, reading from the report.

Key's truck was traveling north when it veered off the road and hit Sheffield as he was riding his horse on the right side of the highway. The truck struck a mailbox and then Monroe on his horse, the report says.

Sheffield lives near the Robbins Crossing - an Eagle Springs address - and Monroe in Robbins. Neither -family could be reached for comment by press time.

Contact John Chappell by e-mail at jfchappell@thepilot.com.

Increase the tax on alcohol and junk food by at least 200% or more (Alcohol and Obesity KILLS).

Drinking alcohol and driving kills and it’s a crime.

Many children and adults are physically abused (beaten), mentally abused and some even killed by an alcoholic parent or partner. Our shelters, across America, are full of these victims. When will our elected in America understand that the use of alcohol is deadly. When will our elected understand that they are enabling the mental and physical abuse of thousands of our people, allot of them children and the elderly.

lachm 2 years, 10 months ago

If she had been driving a "Golf Cart", maybe the Critically Injured person and the DEAD Horses would have had a chance.

Charged with DWI and NOT Jailed; Unbelievable. That Officer should be FIRED.

suzie01 2 years, 10 months ago

lachm--the Officer should be fired So many people do not realize that the officers have no control on whether people go to jail or not. That is our bleeding heart magistrates. Most don't really care as long as they keep the arrestee out of jail because the jail is over crowded.

suzie01 2 years, 10 months ago

Officers do not have anything to do with the actions taken by the magistrates. All the officer does is enforce the law. Quite often officers are spit on curse out and even assaulted and it is frustrating when the magistrates put that person on a nonsecure bond or let them sign their own bond. Same in this case the officer does his job by making the arrest.

We have some bleeding heart magistrates who do nothing but make sure the jail does not get those people because the jail is so overcrowded. Just turn them loose so they can kill someone or some other innocent animal.

bald_dude 2 years, 10 months ago

A local lawyer should take on a civil suit against this repeat offender. Take all her money away from her, give it to the victims, and then let her try and find the funds to get drunk and drive again. Better yet... let me trot on her drunken @ss with my horse and call it an "eye for an eye” and she might think twice about her actions and their consequences. It is appalling that she is a repeat offender, has total disregard for the law, and yet she is out.... chances are she will do it again. I pray that the next time no one else gets injured or worse. I agree with an earlier comment. Tax alcohol like cigarettes, and use the funds to pay for the jailing of drunk drivers. Any Magistrate that continues to be lenient on drunk drivers.... vote them out!

pjnoobie 2 years, 10 months ago

They didnt lock her up? Wow..

NOTW 2 years, 10 months ago

This happened on July 3rd and we are just reading about it on July 11th. ??????

buckaboo 2 years, 10 months ago

The driver should be in jail. Two horses were killed and riders almost killed. Drinking and driving is a CRIME. What is wrong with this picture?? Will this happen again by the same person? Well it just looks like it will. The law is here to protect who?

justavoice 2 years, 10 months ago

she did go to jail...for about 5 hours...while she went home (probably to find her buzz again) the Monroe family sat at Chapel Hill waitin to see when (or if) they would get to see Charlie again...its a freakin disgrace to the justice system..from what i hear..its not the first time shes did something like this.

newstime 2 years, 10 months ago

When are people going to realize that alcohol is NO GOOD???

statelady 2 years, 10 months ago

Get this- I also heard this lady is a NURSE--when she hit them she got out and went over to Charlie and checked his wrist for a pulse and said, "Oh, He'll be alright." She should also lose her job-I sure wouldn't want her working on me!

ohreally 2 years, 10 months ago

@NOTW "This happened on July 3rd and we are just reading about it on July 11th. ??????" I agree, I have heard people talking about this since it happened. Did it take this long to get the facts straight? I also agree with the other comments regarding the danger of alcohol. It has a much greater affect on others than second hand smoke or smoking while driving. Do they have a code for that? SWD? Doubtful. The tragedy is that even if the legal system fails us as a society in accountability, there are many who could care less about the impact their behavior has on others!

theonewithsense 2 years, 10 months ago

hopefully she will get a few years in prison to sober her up.

RmeMP 2 years, 10 months ago

whats with all the alcohol haters on here? i have legally drank alcohol ever since i legally could, and guess what - ive never been in trouble because of it! it's called responsibility people, don't demonize everyone who drinks, simply because of the idiots who can't handle it around here.

on a seperate note, i'm curious as to why she wasn't charged with involuntary manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, vehicular homicide or something along those lines? this lady should be charged with a felony (she killed someone for pete's sake!), and she is not in jail pending her court date?! WOW

JohnChappell 2 years, 10 months ago

It did take time for The Pilot (meaning me, as Carthage is my beat) to get the facts on this. It happened on a holiday weekend late in the afternoon, so nobody other than those involved knew what happened.

It is not the job of Troopers or police to call out the press, and shouldn't be. EMS is not permitted to talk about their calls. Help us out, folks. Anytime you hear about some newsworthy event, call your local paper. I cover military, Robbins, Carthage, Taylortown, Superior Court, and one thing or another. Other writers have different beats, but we are all interested to hear anything new.

Our numbers are printed in the paper, and mine rings in my pocket if I am not in court with it turned off.

As for this story, I am happy to add that I had a call recently saying that Mr. Monroe was doing much better -- will try to get the latest for a follow-up in our Wednesday edition and get it on the web as soon as possible.

countrylady 2 years, 10 months ago

I rode in the parade along with these folks. How sad to see those beautiful animals alive and well and then hear of this totally senseless accident. This women needs to be charged with more than what she got. After all this aint her first rodeo. Didnt they just pass a law about abusing animals is now a felony? Maybe she should be charged with that. I ride my horses along the road when I have to, and people have no common sense. How about slow down and for gosh sakes dont blow the horn or hollar out ye-haw. It really just makes you look stupid.

GodSaves 2 years, 10 months ago

@RmeMP You might want to try reading the article again! I believe that you may have misunderstood it. Someone didn't die. The horses did. Not that she shouldn't be jailed for that but didn't want you to misunderstand the story and make it out to be something that it isn't! LOL!!! Thanks for pretty much the same advice in the other article!! Looks like I need to do a little "more" reading while you may need to do a little "better" reading before we start commenting!!! LOL!! Be blesssed my friend:)

RmeMP 2 years, 10 months ago

@godsaves-

you are correct, i am mistaken. charles is not dead, he's in critical condition (and god willing, he will be able to recover). either way, this was the forth or fifth DUI she has been charged with and i don't think she should have been released on her own recognizance. btw, i posted a little bit of facts for you on the "other story" since you brought it up :)

thank you for the kind ending to your last comment, and again - i can admit when i am wrong, and i apparently did not read this article close enough.

123abc 2 years, 10 months ago

I understand people's point of view on this issue, but I wish people would not state things that are not true. I know for a fact that this woman is NOT a nurse. I know that it was wrong for her to drink and drive because who knows...it could have been anyone's family members that were invovled. But like the old saying goes...don't believe everything you hear...As the story is passed on things get strecthed further and further from the truth...Praying for everyone involved in the accident!

kellykilos 2 years, 10 months ago

Ok, I am a Registered Nurse not just a "nurse" so please be careful on who you are accusing here. I checked with NCBON (North Carolina Board of Nursing) and there is nobody by that name that is a nurse registered in the State of NC. If she had been a "nurse", the NCBON takes these charges VERY seriously. She would have had her nursing license suspended/inactivated and would have had to complete a mandatory drug and alcohol course (which by the way isn't just a few hours). This could take 6 months to several years. Nothing is taken lightly by the NCBON when it comes to abuse. Now for the matter at hand I would have to agree that this woman probably knows people in high places and probably has money to keep her out of jail. She was more than likely detained until she sobered up and then was released. I have no pity for drinking and driving and to hit and kill two horses???How fast was she going!!! I wish Mr Monroe a speedy recovery and the best to his family. Sometimes these things do not make any sense.

countrylady 2 years, 10 months ago

I dont think she was a nurse, she was a vet tech in the past.

theonewithsense 2 years, 10 months ago

Was she a Registered Vet Tech or just a "vet tech"?

Jessi 2 years, 10 months ago

This woman has also hit a neighbor's tractor while driving drunk. We need to start jailing repeat offenders. Choosing to drive drunk is choosing not to care about the lives of anyone else. Drunk drivers should be considered violent criminals, as they endanger the lives of everyone on the road.

statelady 2 years, 10 months ago

ok-I stand corrected about this lady being a nurse-as I said in my original comment I HEARD she was a nurse-regardless of what she does for a living-she needs to be in jail. Hope those injured have a speedy recovery.

luvchih 2 years, 10 months ago

I have known this girl for many years, and if the legal doesn't lock her up she is going to kill someone!! This is the 3rd time she has done something like this. She hit a man on a tractor driving drunk, she wrecked and injured herself driving drunk, and now this!!! What is wrong with our legal system? Are they waiting for her to commit murder and then do something? She was a vet tech in Carthage for a while, I dont know what she has done lately other than drive drunk. She dated a well known detective a while back, and yes she has money.This is such a shame!!!

JohnChappell 2 years, 10 months ago

There is good news from UNC.

Charlie Monroe is doing better, and the hospital says his condition is now “good” — two steps up from critical condition, better than “fair.” Federal law limits what hospitals can tell the public pretty much to one-word condition statements.

His family isn't ready to talk publicly right now. Monroe is still in the ICU, but no longer in the critical care, clinging to life, section.

His horse was named “Skeet” and the Monroe family had him several years.

hdrider 2 years, 10 months ago

There are two sides to every story....this particular group of horse riders abuse their rights by riding in the highway, and don't mind motioning you to go around them on the wrong side of the road. If you travel Lakey Siding Rd, Flint Hill Church Rd, or the Plank Rd, you have witnessed it first hand, like myself. I've seen people having to stop in the road behind them and have to wait for me to come down my lane in order to pass them. These riders put themselves and their horses in harms way. This community knew it would be just a matter of time before there would be an accident. I hate that everyone is "bashing" Ms. Key. There is fault here, but look at both sides! By the way, did anyone think to check the horses' saddlebags for alcohol, or to check the alcohol levels in the riders? Ummm......

clbvpm 2 years, 10 months ago

To hdrider ~ The horses were on the shoulder of the road, according to the highway patrol report. So, it would not matter if there were alcohol in the saddlebags. The riders may have ridden on the road in the past, but not this time. Read it again.....

"Two horses were struck on the right side, on the shoulder (of the road)," Simmons said, reading from the report. Key's truck was traveling north when it veered off the road and hit Sheffield as he was riding his horse on the right side of the highway. The truck struck a mailbox and then Monroe on his horse, the report says.'

nGodwetrust 2 years, 10 months ago

My family and I were traveling Hwy. 22 July 3rd @ around same time of accident. We had met, what are believed to be, the same horses involved and they were in the road. However, horses have the right of way (same as pedestrians), but people please be careful. If I'm not mistaken this accident also took place in a curve. Both families remain in my thoughts and prayers. Word to the wise... Don't believe everything you read (especially in this newspaper).

hdrider 2 years, 10 months ago

Wonder why skid marks were in the middle of the road showing brakes were being applied? I guess it will all come out in court. AND yes, it does matter if alcohol was involved whether in the saddlebags, or in the individuals...alcohol impairs everyone, whether you are on a horse or not. (DUI's are given to persons riding horses too). Impairs you from driving or getting out of the road, right? Also the report states Mr. Monroe is 61. Wrong...closer to 50. All I'm saying is that I've had to drive around this group more times that I can count over the years. Could be by the time she was braking they got over to the side of the road.....oh well, Look at both sides of the story. I don't believe one person is at fault here!

joedoe 2 years, 10 months ago

Why did it take a week to finally publish this story?!

This is her FOURTH citation for driving drunk!!

The first time she almost killed herself in a small pick-up truck.

The second time she knocked a guy off a tractor while driving drunk in a Honda.

The third time she totaled a late model Eclipse by running a stop sign and plowing through a filed. She left the scene and was later found hiding in the woods behind her house! The charges were dropped bc they couldn't prove she was driving drunk.

And now she's killed two horses and put a man in ICU!!

How much longer until she kills one of us or your child or your family before something is done!?!?

There needs to be some justice soon! Take this drunk off the roads for good! She better hope like heck the guy doesn't die.

acwwt1 2 years, 10 months ago

I know Ms. Key personally and the comments made by "joedoe" are either distorted or completely untrue. Maybe some of "joedoes" care and obsession with her could be redirected to the prayers and well being of "the guy"... Charlie Monroe.

Ross 2 years, 10 months ago

acwwt1 - Then what exactly is the "truth"? If she has a history of driving while impaired obviously she should have not been driving. I wonder where the facts are.

acwwt1 2 years, 10 months ago

Ross - Sounds as though you've answered your own question... "If she has a history of driving while impaired obviously she WOULD NOT have been driving." She will be judged. It will not be by us. As stated in an earlier post, "don't believe everything you hear...As the story is passed on things get stretched further and further from the truth..." Thank you 123abc, I also wish people would not state things that are not true. Unfortunately there will always be some pathetic individual that finds pleasure in trying to belittle or hurt others. God Bless Us All! Still praying for both Mr. Monroe and Ms. Key.

clbvpm 2 years, 10 months ago

acwwt1 says - "Then what exactly is the "truth"? If she has a history of driving while impaired obviously she should have not been driving. I wonder where the facts are."

.....It is easy enough to find out. Arrests records are public records.

Article states.... "She lost her driver's license to a civil revocation as a result of being charged with a DWI and has a court appearance set for Sept. 9 in Criminal District Court."

.....So, we know she was drunk when this accident occured.

luvchih says - "She dated a well known detective a while back, and yes she has money. "

..... If this is a true statement, it explains a lot.

OldSpook 2 years, 10 months ago

Now this is just scary...

"Whenever you see a horse on the side of the rode, yes you should go around them, this is horse country, they were here before your precious vehicles..."

Because my vehicle can kill your horse and possibly the rider I would suggest the humans who choose to own these companion animals take responsibility for keeping them out of harm’s way.

hdrider 2 years, 10 months ago

Hey People! Wake up!! Highways are for Vehicles, Not horses! If they were on the road, shouldn't they be facing on-coming traffic, not riding with the traffic? AND you are very wrong freebie123, "if anyone knows Charlie, knows they ride on the side of the road in the grass" is a false statement! Sounds like your comments were very one-sided, and the name calling, tsk, tsk, shame on you!!! Like I said before, I've had to go on the wrong side of the road to pass them on Plank Road and Flint Hill Ch Rd, because they didn't get off the road into the grass! (Even when they saw traffic was on both sides of the road. I even witnessed someone had to come to a complete stop behind them and wait for me so they could pass by them). A previous comment was made where someone else saw them on Hwy 22 and they were in the highway before the accident, did you read that? Yes, I hate the fact that two of GOD's beautiful creatures were killed, but when you are an owner, you have the responsibility of taking care of them. Personally, I would have trailered them all the way to Carthage, instead of riding them over 12 miles ONE way, especially as hot as it was. I would not expose my "best friend" to those conditions!! I'm not excusing or defending Ms. Key, but readers, have an open mind and see there is some fault on both sides, not just on one side, as everyone is blaming only Ms. Key. If it wasn't Ms. Key, then it could have been any one of us to come up on this group, and intoxicated or not, what could have happen to her, could have happened to us in order for us to try to avoid an accident, especially if it was in a curve. I really have sincere thoughts and prayers for both families, the Monroes and the Keys. I'm sure there is pain and will continually be pain on both sides in the days and months ahead....

bubblybee 2 years, 10 months ago

Arent you supposed to be um sober when driving? Umm shouldnt you drive slow around a curve? um shouldnt you um how shall I say it stay on your own side of the road? And considering there were witnesses,I would say gee Ms. Key if thats even her real name, should have not blown so high on the breathalyzer. Lets see if she defends herself on this matter, Charlie did nothing wrong, considering I was there and I was watching him. Free you are correct in saying some of what you said, I guess you have to be there to understand..

mcguy1 2 years, 10 months ago

I also have had to move over into the other lane because of people riding horses in the roadway. im not saying it has been charlie and the crowd that rides with him everytime but it has been them sometimes. I know some of the others who have been riding in the road and have been drinking. The people that was riding with charlie that day have been known to drink. Im not taking sides on this because drinking and driving is wrong rather it be in a vehicle or on a horse and both deserve punishment but not like what happened.

87 2 years, 10 months ago

first of all, i wish the man injured a speedy recovery and thoughts are with his family during such a difficult time. I am outraged at certain posts stating that the man injured and the other riders may be partially at fault because they ride in the road. What about cyclists? What about golf carts? What about joggers? In most parts of our community horses are a welcomed sight as we pass by (slowly and politely) in our vehicles... I am not advised as to what the actual law states but I was always taught (as a rider and jogger) that we must travel in the direction of traffic, obeying all rules of traffic safety that vehicles do, but that ultimately, we have the right of way. It saddens, but also outrages me that the woman has possibly done this before... repeat offenders should not get the privilege of being released- she should do jail time. And to think of the horses... it is truly heartbreaking. the whole thing is just pathetic. And for what? so she could catch a buzz? She obviously needs help.

countrylady 2 years, 10 months ago

Yeah what about the bicycle crowd. They are always in the way and also ride in packs and will NOT go on the shoulder of the road! It's not just horses. If you want to say horses dont have the right to be on the road then neither do mopeds, bicycle, joggers ect. Saying that, if you take you horse on or next to the road it better be a darn good horse. Because if it flips out and runs into a car it is not the cars fault your horse was out of control.

theonewithsense 2 years, 10 months ago

I agree with 87, Cyclist, joggers and golf carts are definitely a problem. Cyclist are the worst, for some reason they think the roads were built for their enjoyment. If you can't travel the speed limit or close to it find a park to bike in. Sometimes they are so arrogant that they travel 2 or 3 wide making it dangerous to pass.

Joggers seem to have enough sense to stay out of the road.

Golf carts should only be allowed in private neighborhoods or on roads where they can travel the speed limit.

87 2 years, 10 months ago

this is why i never post things.... I was not saying that cyclist joggers or golf carts are a problem at all!!! You certainly misread my statement. I was stating that they are the same as horses in regards to traffic laws... And that motor vehicles must give them right of way. Which doesn't bother me in the least.

clbvpm 2 years, 10 months ago

theonewithsense and 87 said it all....

lachm 2 years, 10 months ago

To theonewithsense

The speed limit is the MAX to drive. I don't believe there is a minimum on these roads we're talking about; after all, it wasn't a freeway.

Simply because you're driving a car or truck, don't mean you have more right to travel on these roads, than others with different modes of transportation, to include walking of jogging.

We all pay for these roads with our taxes; if you don't want to share the roads with others, then YOU pay for the roads and I'll keep my share of the taxes.

joedoe 2 years, 10 months ago

It is a fact that she used to brag to her coworkers at Wyeth (now Pfizer) that she would still drive without a license even after they were revoked!

Taking her license for a year will not stop her from being on the roads.

My comment earlier is not false or distorted. The evidence is in her record. She has had multiple DUI driving convictions.

With a history like that, you would think she would know better than to drink and drive.... Even if only one beer!

I just wonder where she was going or coming from that day. Maybe a beer run???

Congratulations, you've really did it this time Gina. Hope those guys don't sue and take that brand new brick house and all of that pretty land of yours!

Those are facts there acwwt1.