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CMPD: Speed, alcohol factors in crash that killed man, injured woman

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man is dead and a woman was injured after police said the car they were in crashed down an embankment overnight in northwest Charlotte.

The wreck happened around 1:30 a.m. on Bellhaven Boulevard near Interstate 485.

Investigators said a black Kia Optima driven by Diondre Price was heading northwest on Bellhaven Boulevard when it ran off the right side of the road. Price then overcorrected, causing the car to travel across both lanes and crash off the left side of the roadway, according to police.

The Kia went down an embankment, striking several trees. Detectives said Price was ejected from the car and was taken to the hospital, where he died.

His passenger, Miyatta Free, was partially ejected but suffered only minor injuries, according to investigators.

Officers said in a news release that both speed and alcohol are suspected factors in the crash.

Police had to close Bellhaven Boulevard between Bellhaven Circle and Floral Grove Lane for hours, and Channel 9 watched as detectives collected evidence from the middle of the road.

The road was reopened before 7 a.m.

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