CHARLOTTE, N.C. – All southbound lanes of I-85 in northeast Charlotte were shut down after a fatal crash early Monday morning.
According to NC Highway Patrol, state troopers responded to a reported crash on I-85 at Graham Street a little before 1:30 a.m. Monday. Crash investigators said at least five vehicles, including a motorcycle and tractor-trailer, were involved in the crash.
State troopers said a woman driving a 2015 Mercedes ran off the right side of the road and hit a disabled truck, scattering debris in the roadway. The motorcyclist lost control and hit the debris before being thrown from the bike.
Authorities said a good Samaritan traveling behind the motorcyclist stopped his vehicle in the road behind him and pulled the biker out of the interstate. An oncoming tractor-trailer attempted to avoid hitting the man's vehicle by swerving to the right, striking the motorcyclist and killing him
Police said the motorcyclist, identified as Michael McDowell, was pronounced dead at the scene by Medic and another person was rushed to Carolinas Medical Center with serious injuries.
NCDOT said the road was reopened just after 5:30 a.m.