Shane McCurdy Obituary, Death Cause: One killed, three hurt in multi-vehicle collision

Shane McCurdy Obituary, Death Cause – A serious collision involving three vehicles occurred late Saturday night in Iredell County, North Carolina, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the incident took place at approximately 10:20 p.m. on northbound I-77 near mile marker 43.

Authorities reported that the crash was triggered after a previous minor collision left two vehicles — a Hyundai Santa Cruz and a Dodge Caravan — partially stopped in the left travel lane of the interstate. The drivers of those vehicles had exited their cars and were standing nearby on the roadway when a third vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, approached.

Troopers say the Toyota Corolla, driven by 22-year-old Emma Garwood, failed to slow down in time and crashed into the rear of the Dodge Caravan. The force of the impact pushed the Dodge into the Hyundai and also struck the two drivers who were standing outside of their vehicles.

Tragically, one passenger in the Toyota Corolla, 18-year-old Shane McCurdy, was killed at the scene. Emergency personnel responded quickly, but McCurdy’s injuries were too severe to survive.

Emma Garwood, the driver of the Corolla, was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening. The driver of the Dodge Caravan, 74-year-old Donald Bethune, was seriously injured and taken to the hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, 72-year-old Terry Brown, also suffered injuries, though they were not considered life-threatening.

Investigators with the Highway Patrol stated that alcohol or drugs do not appear to have played a role in the crash. At this time, impairment has been ruled out as a contributing factor in the incident.

Following the investigation at the scene, Emma Garwood was formally charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to reduce speed. These charges indicate that while her actions led to a fatal outcome, they were not determined to be intentional or the result of impaired driving.

The crash scene caused significant disruption to traffic late into the night as law enforcement officers and emergency responders worked to clear the vehicles and conduct a thorough investigation. I-77 North was temporarily shut down at the location of the crash while the investigation unfolded, and drivers were urged to find alternate routes.

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers of highway driving, particularly when vehicles are stopped in active lanes. Even partial obstructions can present serious hazards when visibility is low or when drivers are not paying full attention to road conditions.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of reducing speed and maintaining awareness at all times, especially when approaching accident scenes or stalled vehicles. The failure to reduce speed remains one of the leading causes of rear-end collisions on highways, and troopers often warn of the risks posed by inattentive driving or failure to respond to changing traffic patterns.

In this case, the initial minor accident created a dangerous situation that was unfortunately made worse when the third vehicle approached without slowing down. The fact that two drivers were outside their vehicles at the time added to the tragic nature of the outcome, as pedestrians on highways are highly vulnerable even in short time frames.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the crash. They are working to reconstruct the events leading up to the impact and confirm whether any additional factors may have played a role in the chain of events. However, based on current information, charges have only been filed against Garwood for her failure to react appropriately under the conditions.

Friends and family of the victim, Shane McCurdy, are mourning the unexpected loss of a young life. At only 18 years old, McCurdy’s death has left many heartbroken, and messages of remembrance and sympathy have begun to appear online from those who knew him.

The crash has also prompted renewed calls for better public awareness about highway safety and how to respond to roadside emergencies. Law enforcement advises that when involved in a minor collision or vehicle breakdown on a highway, drivers should attempt to move their vehicle completely out of traffic lanes if possible. If it is unsafe to remain in or near the vehicle, people are encouraged to find a secure location off the roadway and wait for emergency services.

This incident marks another somber chapter in North Carolina’s ongoing efforts to reduce highway fatalities. While troopers continue to stress education and enforcement, they also highlight the personal responsibility of every motorist to stay alert, obey speed limits, and respond appropriately to emergencies.

As the community comes to terms with the tragic events of Saturday night, the Highway Patrol urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

In the meantime, Garwood is expected to face the legal process as authorities move forward with the charges against her. Further updates may be provided as the investigation progresses and more details are released.