Police identify drivers in Albemarle crash that claimed 2 lives

ALBEMARLE, N.C. — Two people died Thursday night after a three-vehicle wreck in Albemarle.

Police said that the crash happened just before 8 p.m. on Northeast Connector at Moss Springs Road.

Investigators told Channel 9 that a 2010 Dodge driven by 35-year-old Gary Thomas Jr. was heading south and crossed the center line, striking a 2001 Kia and a 2016 Chevrolet truck.

Maria Schumacher, 44, was driving the Kia.

Police said both Thomas and Schumacher were killed.

The driver of the Chevy, 27-year-old Colton Huneycutt, was hurt but will survive, authorities said.

A passenger in the Dodge, Francine Close, 44, was airlifted to Carolinas-Medical Center in Charlotte with serious injuries.

Police have not said what may have caused Thomas to cross the center line, and that the investigation is ongoing.

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