IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A deadly crash early Tuesday morning on Interstate 77 South near the I-40 interchange has claimed the life of a 27-year-old man from Elkin. The incident occurred around 6:35 a.m. on April 9, just south of exit 52, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Authorities say the crash began when Jared Quincey Nelson, driving a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse, failed to reduce speed and collided with a 2011 Volvo semi-truck that was also heading south. The Volvo, which was not towing a trailer, was then pushed into a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, creating a chain-reaction collision.
Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene due to the injuries sustained during the crash. The driver of the semi-truck, 48-year-old Dennis Scott Bolding of Statesville, suffered minor injuries, while the driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe was uninjured, authorities confirmed.
Preliminary investigations indicate that excessive speed on the part of Nelson may have been a contributing factor in the crash. No charges are expected to be filed, as the incident appears to have been an accident.
In the aftermath of the crash, the southbound lanes of I-77 in the area were shut down for approximately three hours as investigators worked to clear the scene and gather evidence. The fatal accident has left the Elkin community mourning the loss of a young life. Friends and loved ones are remembering Nelson as a vibrant individual whose life ended far too soon.
Officials are reminding motorists to be mindful of changing traffic conditions and to maintain safe speeds, particularly during morning commute hours when traffic can be unpredictable. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to review the details of the crash but does not anticipate further legal action at this time.