BLAIRSVILLE, Ga.
Area couple dies in blast
Georgia Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner John King confirmed the names of the two people killed May 2 in a Union County explosion that was felty across the state line in Cherokee County, N.C.
The blast occurred about 8 a.m. at 307 Pauline Lane. The 1,594-square-foot structure was about 26 years old and entirely destroyed by the blast. Surrounding residents reported hearing the explosion up to 25 miles away.
“Ralph Norris Wood Jr., 78, and Peggy Wood, 77, were home at the time of the fire and tragically passed as a result,” King said. “This unprecedented blast left several homes in the area damaged. Due to the severity of the explosion, it could be up to several weeks before the cause is determined.”
The cause of the explosion remains under active investigation, according to King’s office. This marks the 57th and 58th deaths from a Georgia fire in 2021.
HIAWASSEE, Ga.
Man pleads in shooting
A Hayesville man accused of shooting his estranged wife multiple times has pleaded not guilty.
An attorney with the Enotah Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office entered the plea on behalf of Jason Matheson, 41, during his arraignment on April 22 at the Towns County Courthouse. Matheson chose not to appear at the proceeding, Towns County Chief Deputy Gene Moss confirmed.
Matheson faces up to 40 years in prison from felony charges of criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated stalking. The charges stem from the Jan. 26 shooting of Crystal Dawn Matheson in her workplace at Chatuge Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic. Jason Matheson allegedly entered the facility and shot his estranged wife eight times using a 9mm handgun.
Crystal Matheson, who is from Clay County, N.C., survived the shooting and is recovering. As of May 5, a Go Fund Me account set up on her behalf had raised $11,490 of its $15,000 goal.
Jason Matheson was arrested without incident by the members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 26 at his father’s home on Matheson Cove Road. He is being held without bond at the Towns County Jail. He previously lived on Carter Cove Road in Clay County, but now has a Young Harris address.
Crystal Matheson had a protective order in place against her husband at the time of the shooting.
From staff reports.