Hildebran – On Thursday, November 2, at approximately 11:45 a.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Burke County on I-40 West near Old NC 10 (Exit 118). A 2009 Honda Odyssey was traveling west on I-40, failed to adequately reduce speed, and collided with a 2020 Freightliner tractor-trailer that was slowing down in the right lane due to traffic.
The driver of the Odyssey, Ryan Lee Childers, 44, of Valdese, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His wife, Melissa Louise Childers, 44, also of Valdese, was the sole passenger in the vehicle. She also succumbed to injuries at the scene. Neither occupant was restrained by a seatbelt.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, Dakota Matthews, 57, of Enville, TN, was not injured.
The initial investigation does not indicate impairment to be a contributing factor. During the on-scene investigation, I-40 was closed in the area for approximately 2 hours. No charges will filed in this case.