Local man dies in New Year’s Day crash

SPRUCE PINE – A Franklin County man was killed in a single-vehicle crash on New Year’s Day, authorities said.

According to Trooper Curtis Summerville, Roger F. Motes, 52, of Spruce Pine, was killed when the 1997 Dodge Dakota he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree.

Summerville said the crash reportedly occurred at 1:35 p.m. on Franklin 26, just three miles west of Spruce Pine.

Authorities said it appears Motes drove off the shoulder of the road as he was on his way home and struck several trees.

Franklin County Coroner Elzie Malone pronounced Motes dead at the scene from blunt force trauma to the chest and head.

Authorities said Motes was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Summerville said although the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, Alabama State Troopers say speed and alcohol were factors.