PIEDMONT – Authorities have identified the two women who lost their lives in a head-on collision involving a sport utility vehicle and a commercial semi-truck early Monday morning on U.S. Highway 278.

Emergency personnel from the Piedmont Police Department, Piedmont Fire Department, and Piedmont Rescue were dispatched at approximately 5:15 a.m. Monday, June 29, to the 1700 block of U.S. Highway 278 within the Piedmont city limits in response to a serious motor vehicle crash.

According to the preliminary investigation, a Nissan Rogue SUV was traveling eastbound into Piedmont when it crossed the center line into the westbound lane and collided head-on with an oncoming commercial semi-truck.

The two occupants of the Nissan Rogue were pronounced deceased at the scene by Cherokee County Coroner Pat Brown. They have now been identified as Eva Lowe, 55, of Piedmont, and Jasmine Spicer, 32, of Piedmont.

The Piedmont Police Department extended its deepest condolences and prayers to the families and loved ones of Ms. Lowe and Ms. Spicer during this incredibly difficult time.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Piedmont Police Department. No additional information has been released.