Troutman– On Friday, May 16, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Iredell County on I-77 North near US 21 (Mile Marker 42). A 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, traveling south in the northbound lanes, collided head-on with a tractor-trailer, causing the tractor-trailer to overturn and catch fire.
The driver of the Silverado, Eric Anthony Pompa, 31, of Layton, UT, was wearing a seat belt but was ejected from the vehicle and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, Cecil Ward, 52, of Tampa, FL, was transported to Atrium Wake-Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem with non-life-threatening injuries.
The initial investigation indicates impairment to be a contributing factor in this case. Due to the on-scene investigation and clean-up, the roadway is expected to remain closed for several more hours. Motorists are urged to follow detour signs and seek alternate routes.
No charges will be filed in this case.