A man was killed in a crash Tuesday afternoon (February 28). The deceased is 50-year-old Gary Wayne Hammond of Stanley. At approximately 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to Interstate 77 South in Iredell County. A 2016 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling south on I-77 near mile marker 32, failed to adequately reduce speed, and collided with a 2023 International tractor-trailer. After the initial collision, the Chevrolet Silverado spun out of control to the right and struck a 2020 Volvo tractor-trailer also traveling south.

The driver of the Volvo, a Westfield, N.C. resident, and the driver of the International, a Greenwood, Mississippi resident, were not injured. The driver of the Chevrolet, 50-year-old Gary Wayne Hammond, passed away as a result of his injuries at the scene.

All occupants were restrained by seatbelts. The initial investigation does not indicate impairment to be a contributing factor.