Troopers investigating after 2 wrong-way crashes on I-85 claim 3 lives

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two wrong-way crashes in as many days have claimed the lives of three people and injured two others in Mecklenburg County.

Troopers were dispatched to Interstate 85 North and Billy Graham Parkway early Friday morning.

Investigators said Regina Stinson and her boyfriend Mitchell Mobley were driving home when a wrong-way driver appeared in their lane and collided head-on with the couple.

Mobley and the other driver, identified as Shoshana Ratliff, were killed.
Stinson was rushed to Carolinas Medical Center and as of Monday evening was listed in critical condition.

“This should change people's outlook. Nobody wants to see their mama in the hospital,” Demi Barrier, Stinson’s daughter, said.

Barrier said she had spoken to her mother about an hour before the crash and the couple were on their way home after a date.

The wreck was the first of two fatal wrong-way crashes in Charlotte.

Troopers said approximately 24 hours later and 7 miles north near Statesville Avenue, Kenny Chu,22, died after he drove the wrong way on I-85 and crashed head-on with another driver.

That driver was identified as Kristen Adams.

Adams was rushed to CMC-Main where officials say she’s currently listed in good condition.

Troopers stressed “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” signs are posted on interstate ramps.

Still, wrong-way crashes continue to impact highways across the country, including in North Carolina.

States such as Texas has lowered the height of wrong-way signs to make them more visible.

Troopers say alcohol played a role in both I-85 wrong-way crashes, as is the case in most such incidents.

“The main countermeasure is don’t drink and drive,” Trooper John Burgin said. “That’s the bottom line. That’s what’s causing these fatal collisions on the interstate.”

Barrier agreed.

“People have to be aware of what they do,” she said.

Barrier said Stinson is CATS bus driver and works hard to support her and her brother.

The family has set up a fund to help with medical expenses.

Cox Media Group