IFN Staff

A Conover man was killed in a crash on Interstate 77 on Friday night, according to the N.C. State Highway Patrol.

Troopers responded to the site of the crash near mile marker 39 on I-77 South around 8:20 p.m.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a 2002 Chevrolet S-10 truck lost control, drove off the right side of the roadway, and struck a tree on the passenger side of the vehicle, according to the NCSHP.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Floyd Dale Davis II, 39, of Newton was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, troopers said.

A passenger, identified as Timmy Hillard Hartsoe Jr., 43, of Conover was transported to an area hospital, where he died as a result of injuries suffered in the crash, according to the NCSHP.

The initial investigation indicates speed and impairment were contributing factors in the collision, troopers said in a news release.

Upon completion of the ongoing investigation and consultation with the Iredell County District Attorney’s Office, charges may be filed.

During the on-scene investigation, I-77 South was closed in the area for approximately two hours.