Claremont – On Saturday, October 26, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Catawba County on US 70 at Heart Drive. A 2002 Honda Accord was traveling east on US 70, when the driver lost control, crossed the center line, drove off the left side of the road, and struck several trees.
The driver, Adriel Rodriguez, 21, of Kannapolis, was thrown from the vehicle and transported by EMS to an area hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. A passenger, Rocky Allan Houston, 20, of Conover, was thrown from the vehicle and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Three other passengers were also thrown from the vehicle and transported to an area hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. None of the occupants were restrained by a seatbelt.
The initial investigation indicates excessive speed and impairment to be contributing circumstances in the collision. During the on-scene investigation, US 70 was closed in the area for approximately three hours. Charges are pending upon completion of the ongoing investigation and consultation with the Catawba County District Attorney’s Office.