Deadly Double Collision Kills Man and 11-Year-Old in Caldwell County

Driver of pickup truck faces nearly a dozen charges, including felony death and driving while impaired.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the devastating impact of the deadly collision.The aftermath of a deadly double collision in Caldwell County exposes the grim reality of the consequences of reckless and impaired driving.Charlotte Today

A deadly double collision unfolded late Friday night in Caldwell County, North Carolina when a pickup truck hit a car head-on and, moments later, another truck struck the wrecked car, killing two people including an 11-year-old child. The driver of the first pickup truck that caused the initial collision, 20-year-old Matthew Frye of Hickory, was charged with multiple offenses including felony death by motor vehicle and driving while impaired.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of reckless and impaired driving, which continue to be a major public safety issue in many communities. The loss of life, especially of a young child, is heartbreaking and underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and education around safe driving behaviors.

The details

Around 8:46 p.m., a Ford pickup truck driven by Matthew Frye crossed into oncoming traffic on U.S. 64 in Lenoir and collided head-on with a Honda Civic. Frye's truck then ran off the road, striking a guardrail and utility pole. The Honda remained sideways in the road, and shortly after, another pickup truck struck the Honda. Authorities found the Honda's 78-year-old driver, Pink Lackey of Lenoir, and an 11-year-old front-seat passenger, both of whom died at the scene. Frye, who was uninjured, was found in nearby woods and taken into custody.

  • The incident occurred around 8:46 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • U.S. 64 was closed for several hours while troopers conducted an on-scene investigation.

The players

Matthew Frye

A 20-year-old resident of Hickory, North Carolina who was the driver of the pickup truck that caused the initial collision.

Pink Lackey

A 78-year-old resident of Lenoir, North Carolina who was the driver of the Honda Civic that was struck in the incident.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless and impaired driving. It underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement, education, and public awareness around safe driving behaviors to prevent such senseless loss of life in the future.