Fatal Collision on I-77 in Iredell County Claims One Life, Injures Another North Carolina — A Tragic Evening on the Highway
The community of Statesville, North Carolina, is reeling from a devastating crash that claimed the life of 60-year-old Kimberly Taylor Cox of York, South Carolina, and left another individual injured late Thursday evening, October 16, 2025. The fatal collision occurred on Interstate 77 South, near mile marker 49, and involved a tractor-trailer and an SUV, according to reports from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Authorities say the crash took place around 8:30 p.m. when a 2017 Freightliner tractor-trailer, driven by 56-year-old Aniello Marro Chavarria of Statesville, failed to adequately reduce speed and struck a 2012 GMC Denali SUV that had been stopped in the right lane due to slowed or stopped traffic. The impact was catastrophic — both vehicles immediately caught fire following the collision.
The SUV’s driver, 40-year-old Daniel Lawrence Heisig of Charlotte, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Tragically, his passenger, Kimberly Taylor Cox, was critically injured and later succumbed to her injuries at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. In addition to the human loss, the crash also claimed the lives of three dogs traveling in the SUV, deepening the sorrow surrounding this already heartbreaking incident.
The tractor-trailer driver, Chavarria, was not injured in the collision. Investigators have confirmed that impairment is not believed to be a contributing factor; however, charges are pending review by the Iredell County District Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues. The crash prompted authorities to close the highway for approximately four hours Thursday night while troopers, firefighters, and emergency responders worked to extinguish the blaze, recover the victims, and document the scene.
The aftermath of the collision left the roadway charred and the community shaken. For many traveling along I-77 that evening, it was a grim reminder of how quickly lives can change — and how fragile life can be. Troopers with the NC State Highway Patrol continue to analyze the sequence of events that led to the crash, focusing on factors such as speed, visibility, and reaction time.
The loss of Kimberly Taylor Cox has deeply affected her family and friends, as well as the broader communities of York, South Carolina, and the surrounding region. Known for her warmth, compassion, and unwavering love for both people and animals, Kimberly was remembered as a gentle soul whose kindness touched many. Those who knew her described her as someone who brought calm and light wherever she went — a loving presence whose absence will be profoundly felt.
Daniel Heisig, who survived the crash, continues to recover physically and emotionally as loved ones rally around him in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy. The loss of Kimberly and their beloved pets has left a deep wound, one that will take time, faith, and community support to heal.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has urged all drivers to remain vigilant on the roads, particularly during high-traffic hours, reminding the public of the importance of maintaining safe following distances and situational awareness at all times.
As the investigation moves forward, the people of Iredell County and surrounding communities are left mourning a life lost far too soon — a vibrant, kindhearted woman remembered for her compassion, strength, and love for others.
May the soul of Kimberly Taylor Cox rest in eternal peace.
May those who grieve her passing find comfort in cherished memories and in the outpouring of love and support from all who share in their sorrow.
