VALE, N.C. — A 74-year-old Hickory man died after a crash Monday morning in Lincoln County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Troopers say Ilie Nastase, of Hickory, failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Lackey Road and Houser Farm Road in Vale before colliding with another vehicle.
The crash happened just before 8:30 a.m. Monday at the rural Lincoln County intersection. State troopers investigated the scene and determined that neither speed nor driver impairment contributed to the fatal crash.
Troopers said Nastase’s vehicle collided with another, then ran off the roadway, striking both a street sign and a utility pole.
He was airlifted to Atrium Health Main in Charlotte, where he later died from his injuries.
A front-seat passenger, 68-year-old Maria Nastase of Hickory, was evaluated for injuries by emergency medical services and released at the scene.
The driver of the other car involved, 18-year-old Serenity Hartsoe of Claremont, suffered minor injuries and was also treated and released at the scene.
State troopers say no charges will be filed.