Puppy belonging to woman killed in I-40 crash found after running from scene

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Troopers said the puppy that belonged to a woman who was killed early Monday in a crash that blocked the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Conover has been found.

Firefighters in Catawba County said the wreck happened around 3:45 a.m. near Rock Barn Road/Exit 133.

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Troopers said a 2013 Honda Pilot, driven by 47-year-old Sarah Ann McKinney, was heading east on I-40 when the SUV went out of control, collided with the guardrail in the median, and then struck the guardrail on the south roadside. The Pilot came to rest facing the wrong way on the interstate.

A 2019 Honda Odyssey was heading east on I-40 in the right lane when it collided head-on with the Pilot.

Troopers said it appeared that McKinney survived the initial crash but died when the Honda hit her SUV.

The driver of the Honda was seriously hurt and taken to the hospital.

According to McKinney’s family, she was traveling with her 8-month-old puppy, Zeus. The dog was not found at the crash site and troopers could not find the animal after several checks along the interstate.

On Tuesday afternoon, troopers said the puppy was spotted and retrieved. The animal had injuries to its hind legs but is safe and will be cared for by McKinney’s family.

The interstate was reopened around 6 a.m. No charges will be filed in this crash.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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