22-year-old man killed in three-car crash in Gastonia, police say

GASTONIA, N.C. — A 22-year-old man was killed in a three-car crash in Gastonia on Saturday afternoon, police said.

Officers responded to the scene just after 2 p.m. on East Hudson Boulevard near Forbes Road.

James Billy Darrell Brown, of Gastonia, was pronounced dead at the scene.

ALSO READ: Troopers ID motorcyclist in deadly I-85 crash in north Charlotte

According to the preliminary investigation, police said a 2006 Nissan 350Z driven by Brown was traveling eastbound on East Hudson Boulevard at a high speed when it hit a 1990 GMC Sierra truck that was stopped in a left turn lane.

After being hit, the truck then a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox that was also stopped in a left turn lane.

Following the crash, the Nissan left the roadway and entered a wooded area near Forbes Road.

Police said a 50-year-old man driving the Sierra truck was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 56-year-old woman driving the Equinox was not injured.

#GastoniaPd investigating fatal collision on E. Hudson Blvd at Forbes Rd. E. Hudson Blvd CLOSED at Forbes Rd.

Seek an alt route or watch for police direction in area.

Call received 2:09pm.

Updates provided as info confirmed. #GastoniaNews pic.twitter.com/MKPFvxmLIk
— Gastonia Police (@GPDNC) December 18, 2021

East Hudson Boulevard was closed between Union Road and Windsor Woods Drive for several hours while police investigated the scene.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash and have not yet said what may have caused it. It was raining in the area during the time, but it was unclear if weather conditions played a role.

Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have witnessed the driving behavior of the driver of the 2006 Nissan 350Z to call police at 704-842-5166.

Return to this story for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: Truck driver recovering from serious burns after 18-wheeler crashes, catches fire in York County)