Sarah Queen: 'May her memory be a blessing' and good come from this tragic accident

OPINION – On Wednesday afternoon, a little before 3 p.m., Sarah Queen, volunteering her time at the Fairgrounds, helping the Cleveland County Democrat Party booth, was hit by a vehicle while merely crossing the street.

This tragedy shook everyone, especially those that knew her and were saddened by her loss. I did not know Sarah Queen, but I wish I did.

Sarah was a blessing to her community in Lawndale. A member of the Lawndale Town Council, active member of the local Democrat Party, a loved one to family, and loved by her friends; her loss and the circumstances that caused her death need not be forgotten.

The Cleveland County Democratic Party released a statement on their website, expressing their heavy hearts from the loss of Sarah, which read:

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news that our dear friend and longtime volunteer, Sarah Queen, was tragically struck and killed yesterday while crossing Marion Street at the fair entrance crosswalk on her way to serve at the Democratic Party booth.

Sarah was more than a volunteer. She was family to us—steadfast, fearless, tough, kind, just, and always ready with a smile and a helping hand. Her dedication to our community and to the causes she believed in was unmatched, and her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. We grieve along with her family at this horrible, tragic event.”

Sarah lost her life volunteering her time and energy for something she believed in. And while it must be stressed that it does not matter if one is volunteering to help one political party or another, Sarah was loved by many and is a local example of someone we should all emulate in our own way.

As I mentioned before, I did not know her, but I wish I had.

Her tragic accidental death should have never have happened; she should still be here today.

Like so many who lost their lives from such an avoidable accident, it is a reminder to us all that we must be better, do better and respect the road in a multitude of ways, especially the responsibility we have to other drivers and passengers, bikers and especially pedestrians as drivers on our local, state and all roads across America. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and must be respected as if your life – or someone else's life – depends on us being careful, because it does.

According to the North Carolina DMV, approximately 3,000 people are hit by vehicles every year across our beautiful, geographically diverse state, with roughly 180 - 200 of those 3,000 killed.

While they all can’t be prevented, even one death is too many. While there is no way to prevent this from ever happening, there are some factors here in this county that seem to have caused an uptick in traffic around certain areas. and it’s not just the fair – no way, whatsoever, is the blame focused on any of the following, this is unfortunately just a possible contributing factor.

Anyone using a GPS app traveling through Shelby is now, more than likely, redirected to the new bypass. There are at least two ways these GPS apps are instructing people to go. One way is to turn at the mall at the beginning of E. Marion Street, passing directly by the fairgrounds, and then directed to turn right on N. Post Road, or a driver is directed to the N. Post / S. Post Road intersection with Hwy 74, and directed to turn there. Regardless, this has increased the traffic around the fairgrounds at a time when the traffic is already heavy due to the Fair. Once the bypass is completed, whenever that may be, this should alleviate an already congested area.

There is also an idea that could help, but seems less likely to be effective in its purpose, and the cost for such an idea wouldn’t make sense, since most fair traffic parking is now on the backside of the fair: A stoplight at the main gate crossing where Sarah lost her life.

A seasonal stoplight may not stop someone who isn’t paying attention, but it’s always an idea, even though this idea is not financially feasible and likely not a viable option. While I couldn’t find any information on past discussions of a stoplight, more than likely this area does not qualify for a stoplight due to this crossing only being used certain times of the year.

But this isn’t a city, county, or a fairgrounds problem, this was an accident that could happen anywhere at any time – and the statistics from the NCDMV prove it.

More than anything, please be vigilant while both driving and crossing the street.

The closing statement about Sarah, on the Cleveland County Democratic Party page, said, “Today, and in all the days ahead, we will remember Sarah for her generosity, her laughter, and the countless ways she gave of herself to make Cleveland County a better place. May her memory be a blessing.”

My sincere condolences to all of Sarah Queen’s family and friends, during this difficult time.

Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent. 

Chuck@ShelbyIndependent.com