Newton – On Saturday, October 25, at approximately 9:10 pm, the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Catawba County on Settlemyre Bridge Road near White Oak Drive. A 2019 Nissan Altima traveling east on Settlemyre Bridge Road crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a westbound 2018 Infiniti Q50.
The driver of the Nissan, Christopher Shea Houser, 40, of Newton, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt.
The driver of the Infiniti, Isrrael Suarez-Hernandez, 22, of Newton, sustained critical injuries and was transported by medical helicopter to an area hospital. One adult passenger and two children in the vehicle were also taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The initial investigation indicates that impairment and speed were contributing factors in the collision. Settlemyre Bridge Road was closed in the area for several hours during the on-scene investigation. No charges will be filed in this case.