An Alexander County driver driving through a no-passing zone was killed after colliding with a Highway Patrol vehicle

STATESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – A pickup truck driver was killed Sunday afternoon after colliding with a semi-trailer, according to the NC State Highway Patrol.

State troopers say the incident occurred just after 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, west of Statesville along U.S. 64 near Lippard Farm Road. A 2005 Ford F-250 was traveling west on US 64 when it attempted to pass westbound vehicles in a no-passing zone.

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The truck then collided with an eastbound Peterbilt 2025 truck without a trailer.

The driver of the Ford, 30-year-old Anthony Drake Villeda of Hiddenite, was pronounced dead at the scene. The minor passenger in the vehicle was not injured.

The driver of the Peterbilt, a 54-year-old man also from Hiddenite, was not injured.

Police say a preliminary investigation shows the collision was caused by careless and reckless driving.

U.S. 64 remains closed in the area, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. No charges will be filed in this case.

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