One dead from severe Charlotte-area storms. Thousands without power on Saturday

Joe Marusak, The Charlotte Observer on Aug 2, 2025

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A driver died in a two-car wreck during intense storms that swept across the Charlotte region Friday night, a State Highway Patrol trooper said.

Gabriella Elise Cruz, 22, of Bryson City, died at the scene on Interstate 40 West in Claremont, Master Trooper Christopher Casey said in a news release.

An SUV driver collided with Cruz’s SUV as both traveled west near a rest area in Catawba County around 7 p.m., Casey said.

The driver who collided with Cruz’s vehicle was treated at the scene for minor injuries, along with three passengers in her car, according to the trooper.

“Possible charges are pending” the investigation of the wreck and troopers consulting with the Catawba County District Attorney’s office, Casey said.

Troopers asked that anyone who witnessed the collision to call the N.C. State Highway Patrol at 828-466-5500.

I-40 was partially closed for about two hours during the investigation.

About 3,000 Duke Energy customers in Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas remained without power Saturday morning, from a peak of at least 18,000 Friday night.

Power may not fully be restored until 10 p.m. Saturday, the company outage map showed.

At least 537 flights were delayed at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Friday night, according to tracking site Flight Aware.com. Operations returned to normal Saturday morning, but numbers mushroomed again, with 250 delays and 37 cancellations reported at 5 p.m.