A man in his early 60s, LaRue Hemric from the Hamptonville community in Wilkes County, died Saturday afternoon after being bucked off his horse while horseback riding with family members. The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. near 235 Terri Lane, off Somers School Road, and despite paramedics’ efforts, he could not be resuscitated. The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office and medical examiner responded to the scene.

Shortly after responding to the horseback riding accident, Buck Shoals Fire Department was dispatched to a separate fire in the Yadkin County portion of Hamptonville. The fire destroyed a carport detached from a rental home on Randleman Road, reportedly started by someone burning brush. No vehicles were inside the carport, and no injuries were reported.