A 25-year-old Statesville man died in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning in Iredell County. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has identified the deceased as Seth Allen Paynter.
The collision occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on May 11 along Saw Mills Road near Union Grove Road. According to the preliminary investigation, a 2019 Polaris RZR, an off-road side-by-side vehicle, was traveling northwest when the driver lost control. The vehicle crossed the center line, left the roadway on the left side, and overturned.
Paynter, who was operating the vehicle, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected. He died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
Troopers noted that alcohol appears to have been a contributing factor in the incident. As part of the response, Saw Mills Road was closed in the area for approximately two hours while authorities conducted their investigation and cleared the scene.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further details may be released as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
