Woman Killed After Fiery Crash Between SUV and Tractor-Trailer on I-77 in Statesville

Statesville, North Carolina — October 20, 2025 — According to authorities and The Herald, a woman has died following a violent collision on Interstate 77 that caused both her SUV and a tractor-trailer to burst into flames.

State Highway Patrol Trooper Christopher Casey said the crash occurred on the southbound side of I-77 near mile marker 49. Investigators said the driver of a Freightliner tractor-trailer failed to stop in time and struck the rear of a sport utility vehicle that had stopped in traffic.

The impact ignited both vehicles, sending flames and heavy smoke across the highway. Kimberly Taylor Cox, 60, of York, South Carolina, was rushed to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, where she later died from her injuries. Three dogs traveling in the SUV also died at the scene.

Troopers identified the SUV’s driver as Daniel Lawrence Heisig, 40, of Charlotte. Heisig was hospitalized with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.

The truck driver, Aniello Marro Chavarria, 56, of Statesville, was not injured in the crash. Authorities said the investigation remains active and that once completed, the case will be reviewed with Iredell County prosecutors to determine whether charges will be filed.

Interstate 77 southbound was shut down for approximately four hours Thursday night as troopers examined the crash site and cleared debris.

The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.

A Voice For The Injured. Here, Every Step of The Way. Call 704-376-1616 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.