Valdese- On Friday, September 20, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Burke County on I-40 East near Malcolm Boulevard (Exit 113). A 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 was traveling east on I-40 and struck a pedestrian who had entered the roadway from the shoulder.
The pedestrian, Cody Vance Dehaven, 42, of Valdese, was critically injured and transported by medical helicopter to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the Mercedes Benz, Janet Evette Lynch, 51, of Nebo, was not injured.
The initial investigation does not indicate impairment or speed as contributing factors. During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for approximately one hour. No charges will be filed in this case.
The Friday mishap was the second time a pedestrian had been struck and killed on I-40 in Burke County this week.