NORTH CAROLINA — A Hickory man is facing multiple charges after a crash that killed two people, including an 11-year-old child, along U.S. Highway 64 in Caldwell County, authorities said.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 8:45 p.m. Friday near Union Baptist Road, just east of Lenoir.
Investigators said a 2018 Ford F-150 traveling eastbound crossed the center line into the westbound lane and collided with a 2006 Honda Civic. The pickup then struck a guardrail and a utility pole before the driver fled the scene on foot.
The Honda Civic came to rest sideways in the roadway and was subsequently struck by another westbound pickup truck, troopers said.
Two occupants of the Civic were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities identified one victim as 78-year-old Pink Grant Lackey of Lenoir. The second victim, an 11-year-old child, has not been publicly identified.
The driver of the third vehicle involved was not injured, officials said.
Troopers later located the driver of the Ford F-150 in a nearby wooded area and took him into custody. He was identified as 20-year-old Matthew Braden Frye of Hickory.
Frye has been charged with two counts of felony death by motor vehicle, improper passing, driving while impaired, and driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21. Authorities said additional charges are expected.
Investigators believe speed and impairment were factors in the crash.
U.S. 64 was shut down for several hours as crews investigated and cleared the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
