21-year-old man identified in deadly Dodge Charger crash on US 64 in North Carolina

NASHVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — Police have identified the driver who died in a single-vehicle collision with the pillar of an overpass on the side of US 64 in Nash County. According to the Nashville Police Department, which is leading the investigation, officers responded around 4 a.m. Saturday, the fatal crash occurred on US 64 below the overpass of the US 64 Alternative Highway. Officers said in a news release Sunday that 21-year-old Demetrius Miles Artis of Rocky Mount was pronounced dead at the scene after officers located him. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which assisted police in the crash, said the Dodge Charger crashed into the pillars holding up US 64 ALT while traveling east on US-64 after Artis lost control of the vehicle and overcorrected. Police ruled that speed caused the deadly crash. "Preliminary investigation conducted by the Nashville Police Department, with assistance from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, indicates that speed was a contributing factor in the collision. There is no indication of impairment at this time." Troopers said that due to the impact of the crash, the Charger separated into three parts after hitting the pillars. According to NCDOT, US-64 East was closed from 4:27 a.m. to 7:27 a.m. so officers and troopers could investigate and emergency personnel could clear the scene. "The Nashville Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Department of Transportation, and all responding emergency personnel for their assistance," said Police Chief Caleb Shockley. "The Nashville Police Department also extends its thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of Mr. Artis during this tragic time."