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Medical emergency suspected in fatal Asheville crash

Medical emergency suspected in fatal Asheville crash

Photo: Saga Communications/828newsNOW


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police have identified the driver who died after his SUV overturned Wednesday morning near McDowell Street and Doctors Drive.

Phillip Douglas Penland, 74, apparently suffered a medical emergency while driving south on McDowell Street, causing him to lose control of his 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer, according to a preliminary investigation.

The SUV overturned on Doctors Drive.

Officers responded to the crash about 10:14 a.m. Oct. 14. Penland was taken to Mission Hospital, where he later died.

Police released his identity Thursday but did not say when he died or whether his death was caused by the medical emergency or injuries from the crash.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Asheville police at 828-252-1110. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.

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