A Gaston County car accident claimed the life of 29 year-old Michael Roberts Saturday in the early morning hours. Roberts, a native of Raleigh, was driving his Kia Optima on Chapel Grove School Road when he went off the right side of the road. The accident ejected Roberts, who hit a tree and was pronounced dead at the scene when medics arrived.
Gaston County police and GEMS paramedics responded to the accident after it was reported to Crowders Mountain Fire and Rescue shortly after 3:30 Saturday morning. North Carolina State Troopers reported that alcohol and excessive speed may have been a factor in the crash. The section of road where Roberts crashed is a 45 mph zone.
Authorities have not yet been able to determine Roberts' connection to Gaston County or where he was going at the time of the accident.
