Charlotte, NC, August 17, 2025
News Summary
A devastating collision on Interstate 485 near Charlotte resulted in the loss of six lives, including three young children. The crash involved a Honda CR-V and a Chrysler minivan. The driver of the CR-V died at the scene, while a minivan carrying five family members was en route to an amusement park when it was struck. The incident has prompted community grief and a safety campaign aimed at preventing further tragedies.
Charlotte
A tragic accident on Interstate 485 near Charlotte has left six people dead, including three young children. The crash occurred on July 26 at approximately 11 a.m. near the Dixie River Road overpass, according to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The incident involved a Honda CR-V and a Chrysler Town and Country minivan, both of which were traveling south on I-485. A tractor-trailer towing a refrigerated semi-trailer was parked on the right shoulder at the time of the collision. Reports indicate that the reason for the crash remains unknown, but it is noted that the Honda CR-V veered into the right lane and struck the minivan. Following the initial impact, the CR-V rotated and collided with the back and left side of the stationary semi-trailer.
The driver of the Honda CR-V, 16-year-old Logan Sauer, was the only occupant of that vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The minivan, carrying five family members from Gaston County, was on its way to the Carowinds amusement park when the crash occurred. The victims from the minivan have been identified as:
- 1-year-old Brynlon Holmes
- 3-year-old Addyson Holmes
- 8-year-old Kamron Wood
- 23-year-old Taylor Willis
- 27-year-old Samuel Holmes
A 16-year-old girl who was also in the minivan survived the crash. Relatives of the victims revealed that the family had been looking forward to their day at Carowinds, making the tragic incident even more devastating.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief from the community, particularly from the grandmother of the deceased children, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her grandchildren and daughter. A family friend has begun an online fundraising campaign to assist with funeral expenses for the victims.
In response to the crash, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is working with various agencies on a safety campaign called “Interstate 485 Alive,” aimed at raising awareness for safe driving behaviors. As of now, state troopers have stated that no charges are anticipated regarding the crash.
Background Context
This incident highlights ongoing concerns over traffic safety in the Charlotte area. The increasing number of accidents on highways has prompted local authorities to emphasize the importance of safe driving practices. The “Interstate 485 Alive” campaign reflects a proactive approach to preventing further tragedies on the road.
With families affected and the community mourning, it underscores the potential dangers of driving, particularly on busy highways like I-485, which sees significant traffic. The NTSB’s preliminary report aims to shed light on the causes of this crash, which remains under investigation.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Crash | July 26 |
| Location | Interstate 485 near Dixie River Road, Charlotte |
| Vehicles Involved | Honda CR-V, Chrysler Town and Country minivan, and a parked tractor-trailer |
| Fatalities | 6 (including 3 children) |
| Survivors | 1 (16-year-old girl from the minivan) |
| Response | “Interstate 485 Alive” safety campaign initiated |
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the crash on I-485?
The exact cause of the crash is still unknown, as the investigation is ongoing. Preliminary reports indicate that the Honda CR-V veered into the minivan, leading to a collision.
How many lives were lost in the accident?
Six lives were tragically lost in the accident, including three young children aged 1, 3, and 8.
Is there any ongoing safety campaign related to this incident?
Yes, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol has launched a safety campaign named “Interstate 485 Alive” to raise awareness about safe driving practices following this tragic event.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: Baby, toddler among 6 killed during I-485 wreck
- WSOC-TV: CMPD investigating fatal crash in South Charlotte
- QC News: Family mourns losing four relatives in I-485 crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Google Search: Charlotte Traffic Safety
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
