Statesville, NC (August 07, 2026) - Local news reports and statements from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol indicate that a fatal collision occurred on I-40 West in Iredell County at approximately 3:09 a.m. The crash happened near mile marker 160, close to the Cool Springs Road bridge and north of Cool Springs.

Troopers reported that a 2002 Ram 1500 had become disabled in the emergency lane after running out of gas. The driver, 45-year-old Ernest Duncan Ames IV of Hickory, was reportedly traveling home from Raleigh with his son and his son’s girlfriend. Ames was inside the rear cab when a 2021 Ram 3500 struck the disabled pickup.

The impact ejected Ames from the vehicle. He died from his injuries at the scene. His son and his son’s girlfriend were also injured. Local reports indicated that Ames’s son was recovering at home while the other passenger remained hospitalized as of Friday afternoon.

The Highway Patrol identified the Ram 3500 driver as 28-year-old Kevin Guadalupe Quintana of Mount Airy. According to troopers, Quintana appeared to have been traveling above the posted speed limit and impaired by alcohol when the collision occurred.

Troopers arrested Quintana at the scene. He was charged with felony death by motor vehicle, felony serious injury by vehicle, driving while impaired, reckless driving, driving with a revoked license, and failure to maintain lane control. He was taken to the Iredell County Magistrate’s Office, received a $750,000 secured bond, and was booked into the Iredell County Detention Center.

Ames was a father of four who worked in construction and was known within his community. The Highway Patrol continued reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

How Investigation Findings Can Affect A Car Accident Claim

The I-40 crash killed Ames and injured two passengers. Each outcome may raise different questions about losses and insurance coverage. That process may include examining vehicle damage, roadway conditions, witness accounts, medical records, and any findings documented by law enforcement.

Following a serious car accident, insurance adjusters often compare several sources of information before deciding how a claim should be handled. A car accident lawyer can also review how those records relate to responsibility, available coverage, and the losses connected to the collision.

The initial police report is only one part of the broader review. Photographs, repair assessments, medical documentation, and policy terms may help clarify disputed facts and provide a more complete account of what happened.

Discussing A Statesville Accident With Rosensteel Fleishman

At Rosensteel Fleishman, we work closely with clients to review accident reports, insurance policies, medical records, and other evidence connected to a collision. Our legal team helps individuals and families understand how the documented facts may affect negotiations, available compensation, and decisions about whether to consider settlement or litigation.

A consultation can give families an opportunity to ask questions and assess possible next steps without relying only on information provided by an insurance company. For those affected by the fatal I-40 crash near Statesville or another serious car accident, our firm can provide a careful review focused on clarity, accountability, and informed decision making.