Shane Charles McCurdy Killed in Devastating Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-77 in Troutman, N.C.; Three Others Injured in Tragic Collision That Marks Second Fatal Accident in Area Within 48 Hours
TROUTMAN, NORTH CAROLINA — June 1, 2025 — In a heart-wrenching incident that has stunned both local residents and those beyond the small town of Troutman, 18-year-old Shane Charles McCurdy, of Kenly, North Carolina, tragically lost his life in a multi-vehicle crash late Saturday night on Interstate 77, just south of the Exit 42 interchange. The fatal collision occurred at approximately 11:16 p.m. on May 31, sending emergency responders racing to the scene and leaving a trail of devastation that has since shaken the Iredell County community.
Three other individuals were injured in the accident, one seriously, and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not released the names of the injured victims as of this writing, pending notification of families and ongoing medical evaluations.
The Collision: A Chain Reaction on a Dangerous Stretch of Interstate
According to early findings released by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), the incident involved three vehicles: a silver 2015 Honda Accord, a black 2021 Dodge Charger, and a white Ford F-150 pickup truck.
Shane Charles McCurdy, who had reportedly traveled to the area to visit friends and was returning northbound toward Kenly, was driving the Honda Accord. As McCurdy approached the Exit 42 area, a traffic backup—possibly due to earlier roadwork or congestion—appears to have slowed or stopped traffic abruptly. Authorities state that McCurdy’s vehicle was either slowing down or had already come to a stop when the Charger, traveling at high speed, collided with the rear of his Honda.
The force of the impact launched McCurdy’s vehicle into the left lane, where it was then struck by the Ford F-150. The resulting chain-reaction crash left McCurdy’s vehicle completely mangled, with responders describing it as “unrecognizable from the front.” The roof of the Honda had to be removed by firefighters using hydraulic extraction tools, commonly known as the “Jaws of Life,” to free McCurdy and assess any potential survivors.
Medical Response: Three Hospitalized, One Critical
First responders from Troutman Fire & Rescue, Iredell County EMS, and multiple troopers from NCSHP Troop E were on the scene within minutes. EMTs performed emergency triage as traffic came to a halt in both northbound lanes. McCurdy was pronounced dead at the scene, despite attempts to resuscitate him.
The driver of the Dodge Charger, a male in his mid-20s whose name has not been released, was transported to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem with multiple fractures and a head injury. He remains in critical but stable condition, according to hospital sources.
The driver and passenger of the Ford F-150 sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Iredell Memorial Hospital for observation. Both have since been released, though investigators have scheduled follow-up interviews.
Who Was Shane Charles McCurdy?
Shane Charles McCurdy had just celebrated his 18th birthday in April and was a recent graduate of North Johnston High School, where he was known for his kindness, quiet leadership, and deep passion for cars and mechanics. He had plans to attend Wilson Community College this fall to pursue a degree in automotive technology, with aspirations of opening his own custom car repair and tuning shop.
“He was the kind of kid who’d stop on the side of the road to help someone with a flat tire,” said Danielle McCurdy, Shane’s mother, in an emotional interview on Sunday morning. “He loved life, loved learning how things worked, and more than anything, he loved his family and friends.”
Shane is survived by his parents, Danielle and Charles “Chuck” McCurdy, a younger sister, Kelsey McCurdy, and his grandparents, who were instrumental in raising him.
“He never left the house without hugging his mom and saying ‘I love you,’” said Chuck McCurdy. “He had this way of making people feel seen and safe. That’s just who he was.”
A Second Tragedy in 48 Hours: Community on Edge
Saturday’s collision marks the second fatal accident in the Troutman area within just two days. On Friday morning, a single-vehicle crash near Old Mountain Road claimed the life of a local woman in her 30s, whose name has not yet been released pending autopsy results. Both incidents have led to widespread concern over increasing traffic risks along I-77 and nearby roads, particularly as summer travel season begins.
“It’s heartbreaking and infuriating,” said Troutman Mayor Eliza Hamrick during a press conference on Sunday. “Two families devastated in just 48 hours. We are begging the North Carolina Department of Transportation to address the persistent dangers on this corridor before more lives are lost.”
Local residents have echoed those concerns, with many sharing stories on social media about near misses, aggressive drivers, and poor visibility conditions in the area where Shane was killed. A Change.org petition titled “Fix I-77 Before It Kills Again” has already gathered more than 6,000 signatures as of Sunday evening.
Investigation Underway: Speed and Distracted Driving Possible Factors
The North Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation and has not ruled out the possibility that speeding and/or distracted driving may have contributed to the crash. Preliminary witness statements suggest the driver of the Dodge Charger may have been traveling well above the posted speed limit, and a cell phone was recovered from the front seat of the vehicle, though it is unclear whether it was in use at the time of the crash.
“We’re analyzing data from the Charger’s onboard computer, including acceleration and braking patterns just prior to the crash,” said NCSHP Sergeant Kellan Rivera. “Toxicology screens are being conducted, and we’re reviewing potential surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras.”
No charges have been filed as of June 1, and authorities are awaiting the results of forensic evidence before determining whether criminal negligence or vehicular manslaughter charges are warranted.
Mourning a Young Life Lost
Back in Kenly, the news of Shane Charles McCurdy’s death has cast a long shadow. A candlelight vigil is being organized by students and staff of North Johnston High School for Tuesday evening at the school’s football field. Principal Carla Weston described Shane as “a bright light with a quiet but impactful presence.”
“We are devastated. Shane was the kind of student teachers hope for—polite, thoughtful, and driven. Our thoughts are with his family during this unimaginable time.”
Friends and classmates have filled social media with tributes, photos, and memories under the hashtag #ShineForShane. One classmate, Devon Hightower, wrote: “He made every hard day easier. I’ll never forget how he made people feel.”
The Road Ahead: A Family’s Plea for Change
Shane’s parents are calling for immediate action to prevent more tragedies on North Carolina highways. In a written statement, the McCurdy family said:
“We cannot bring Shane back. But if his death can wake people up—lawmakers, drivers, planners—then maybe his loss won’t be in vain. Our highways are not safe. We demand change.”
The family has already begun collaborating with the North Carolina Vision Zero Initiative, which aims to eliminate roadway fatalities through better design, enforcement, and education. A scholarship fund in Shane’s name is also being established for students entering technical trades.
Funeral Arrangements
A public memorial service for Shane Charles McCurdy will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Kenly Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at noon. The McCurdy family has requested that attendees wear blue, Shane’s favorite color, in his honor. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Kenly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shane McCurdy Automotive Scholarship Fund, details of which will be shared by the family in coming days.
If you witnessed the crash or have any information that may assist the ongoing investigation, please contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troop E at (704) 878-4221.
