By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

A China Grove resident was one of two people killed this weekend following a head-on collision in Cabarrus County. His wife and 13-year-old son were both injured in the accident, officials said.

Gary Michael Patterson Jr., 41, was traveling on Sunday with his wife, Anna, and their son, Maverick, along Davidson Road just before 6 p.m. when their vehicle was struck by another from the oncoming lane.

N.C. Highway Patrol officials say Daniel Marvin Harlan, 54, of Davidson, crossed the center line in a curve, and his 2010 Ford Flex struck the Pattersons’ 2007 Pontiac GT. Harlan, who was pinned inside his vehicle, died at the scene, and Patterson died en route to the hospital, said N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Wade Nesbit.

Anna Patterson was seriously injured and was taken to Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. She was later transferred to CMC-Main. She underwent surgery sometime Monday, Nesbit said.

The couple’s son, Maverick, was taken to Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast where he was treated for a broken jaw, the trooper said.

It’s not clear if Harlan had a medical condition that may have contributed to the accident. The Highway Patrol continues to investigate and is awaiting results from the N.C. Medical Examiner’s Office.

China Grove Mayor Lee Withers said he grew up with Gary Patterson, who was known by the nickname Mike. The two men played Little League ball together as children and their sons are in the same grade in school, Withers said.

“They are lifelong residents,” Withers said of Gary and his wife, Anna.

“We hate this tragedy has happened. They are in our thoughts and prayers. He’ll be missed as part of the community,” Withers said.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.