CLAREMONT, N.C. – One person died and four others were transported to the hospital after a single-vehicle crash in Catawba County on Saturday night, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Around 11 p.m., deputies responded to US 70 near Heart Drive.
Five occupants were traveling east on US 70 in a Honda Accord when the driver lost control, drove off the left side of the road and hit several trees, the highway patrol said.
A passenger, 20-year-old Rocky Houston, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. The driver, 21-year-old Adriel Rodriguez and three other passengers were also thrown from the vehicle and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. All four survivors were transported to the hospital.
Troopers said excessive speed and impairment were contributing factors in the crash. Charges are pending upon further investigation, the patrol said.