Police: 81-year-old driver killed after slamming into car stopped at light near Carowinds

CHARLOTTE — An 81-year-old man was killed Tuesday morning in a crash near Carowinds amusement park in southwest Charlotte, police said.

Authorities said the wreck happened around 5:30 a.m. on Carowinds Boulevard at Best Day Boulevard, near Choate Circle.

Police said officers found a 2015 Kia Soul with heavy front-end damage and a 2018 Audi Q7 with minor damage to its front. The driver of the Audi was not hurt and remained at the scene.

The driver of the Kia Soul, Eddy Wilbanks, 81, was pronounced at the scene of the crash.

Investigators said Wilbanks was driving on Choate Circle when he crossed over Carowinds Boulevard onto Best Day Boulevard. He slammed into the front of the Audi, which was stopped at the light. The Kia continued on Best Day Boulevard, where it ran off the right side of the road and hit a tree and fence on Carowinds property.

Then, officers said the Kia spun and began to accelerate back in the direction of Carowinds Boulevard. The car crossed the intersection back onto Choate Circle a second time. That was when the vehicle ran off the road and down an embankment before colliding with a building.

Police don’t suspect speed or alcohol to be contributing factors for Wilbanks, but said toxicology results are pending.

Anyone who witnessed or has information about the crash should contact Detective Oberer at 704-432-2169, extension 3. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or by clicking here.

Best Day Boulevard was blocked while police investigated.

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

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