Troutman Crash Claims Life of 18-Year-Old Shane McCurdy That Left 3 Others Injured — Second Fatal Collision in Town This Weekend
Troutman, N.C. — June 1, 2025
A devastating multi-vehicle crash late Saturday night on Interstate 77 in Troutman has claimed the life of Shane Charles McCurdy, an 18-year-old from Kenly, North Carolina, and left three others injured. The tragedy marks the second fatal collision in the Troutman area in less than 48 hours, sending waves of grief through the community.
The collision occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, near mile marker 43 on I-77 North, just outside of Troutman in Iredell County. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash involved three vehicles and was triggered by a chain reaction after a previous collision had temporarily left two vehicles partially blocking the left travel lane.
Details of the Incident
Authorities report that a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz and a 2015 Dodge Caravan were stopped or nearly stopped in the left lane due to an earlier incident. The drivers of both vehicles were outside their cars, standing beside the Dodge Caravan, when the crash occurred.
A 2003 Toyota Corolla, traveling northbound, failed to adequately reduce speed and slammed into the back of the Dodge Caravan. The force of the impact pushed the Caravan into the Hyundai and struck the drivers standing outside.
The Corolla was being driven by Emma Leigh Garwood, 22, of Taylorsville. Her passenger, Shane Charles McCurdy, was pronounced dead at the scene. McCurdy’s death comes as a heartbreaking blow to his family, friends, and hometown, just as he was stepping into adulthood.
Garwood was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. She has since been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to reduce speed.
Others Injured
The driver of the Dodge Caravan, Donald Storrer Bethune, 74, of Macon, Georgia, was critically injured and rushed to the hospital, where he remains in serious condition.
Terry Shane Brown, 72, of Mount Airy, who had been driving the Hyundai, also sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized for treatment.
Investigators say there is no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision. The highway was closed for approximately two hours as troopers worked the scene and cleared the wreckage.
A Weekend Marked by Tragedy
Saturday night’s deadly crash was the second fatal incident in Troutman over the weekend. While officials have not yet released full details about the earlier incident, the back-to-back tragedies have left residents shaken and reminded of the ever-present dangers on North Carolina highways.
McCurdy’s sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with friends describing him as “kind-hearted, full of energy,” and “someone who could light up any room.” A vigil is reportedly being planned in his hometown in the coming days.
Safety Concerns on I-77
The crash has also sparked new concerns over driver awareness and road safety, particularly when it comes to responding to disabled vehicles on high-speed roadways. Authorities are reminding drivers to remain vigilant, slow down in areas with hazards, and avoid distractions — especially at night.
“We always urge drivers to be extremely cautious around any vehicles that appear to be stopped or disabled,” said a spokesperson for the NC State Highway Patrol. “Tragedies like this are preventable.”
Investigation Ongoing
The NC State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the collision, and additional information may be released as the case develops. Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have dashcam footage is asked to contact the Highway Patrol office in Iredell County.
As Troutman mourns the loss of another young life, the community is left grappling with sorrow and searching for answers in a weekend defined by heartbreak.