MORGANTON – On Tuesday, August 29, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Burke County on I-40 West near Carolina Street SE (Mile Marker 111). A 2000 Yamaha motorcycle traveling west in the right lane, attempted to merge into the left lane and struck a 2011 GMC Yukon traveling in the left lane.
The driver of the motorcycle, Matthew Dewayne Lunsford, 28, of Morganton, was ejected and struck by the Yukon. He was transported by EMS to UNC Health Blue Ridge, in Morganton, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the Yukon, Brian Keith Crotts, 45, of Shelby, was not injured.
During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for approximately one hour. No charges will be filed in this case.