CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — One person was killed and four others were hurt after a crash in Catawba County on Saturday night.
Around 11 p.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to US-70 at Heart Drive. Troopers said the driver of a 2002 Honda Accord was heading east on US-70 when they lost control, crossed the center line, and drove off the side of the road, hitting multiple trees.
All five people were thrown from the car. One passenger, 20-year-old Rocky Allan Houston of Conover, died at the scene due to his injuries. The driver and the other three passengers were all taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver has been identified as 21-year-old Adriel Rodriguez of Kannapolis.
Troopers said the initial investigation shows both excessive speed and impairment were contributing factors in the collision. Nobody in the car was wearing a seatbelt, according to Highway Patrol.
Charges are pending, based on the investigation and consultation with the Catawba County District Attorney's Office.