Statesville – On Monday, January 29, at approximately 8:40 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Iredell County on I-77 North near mile marker 60. A 2023 Volkswagen Arteon was traveling south in the northbound travel lanes and collided head-on with a 2007 Toyota SUV in the right lane. After the impact, the Volkswagen traveled off the shoulder of the northbound lanes and struck a tree.
The driver of the Volkswagen, Stephney Lynn Morris, 65, of Huntersville, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Morris was not restrained by a seatbelt.
The driver of the Toyota, Ana Lopez, 38, of Hays, NC, and passengers were transported by EMS to Wilkes Medical Center, with non-life-threatening injuries.
The initial investigation indicates speed and impairment as contributing factors in the collision. No charges will be filed in this case.