CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Two men died when the car they were in crashed into a tree Monday afternoon in Catawba County, Highway Patrol said.
It happened around 4:30 p.m. on Old Shelby Road near Interstate 40, south of Long View.
A 2004 Lincoln Town Car was heading south on Old Shelby Road when the driver, Phillip Hudson, lost control and hit a tree, troopers said.
Hudson, 30, of Hickory, died at the scene. Investigators said he was not wearing a seat belt.
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His passenger, 31-year-old Alexander Woznick, of Hickory, also died at the scene. He was wearing a seatbelt.
Troopers said speed and reckless driving appear to be contributing factors in the wreck.
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