CHARLOTTE, NC – A devastating crash on Interstate 485 in Charlotte on Saturday claimed the lives of Taylor Willis, 23, her fiancé Samuel “Jake” Holmes, 27, their children Addyson Holmes, 3, and Brynlon Holmes, 1, and 8-year-old cousin Kamron Wood. The family, residents of Bessemer City in Gaston County, were traveling to Carowinds amusement park when their vehicle was struck in a multi-vehicle collision that left six people dead, including the driver of another car.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred when 17-year-old Jacob Stevens of Charlotte, driving a Honda CR-V, collided with the family’s Chrysler minivan, causing both vehicles to crash into a parked tractor-trailer on the shoulder of the highway. The collision was catastrophic, leaving only one survivor from the van—a 15-year-old girl identified as Lacey Willis, Taylor’s younger sister—who suffered serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
Jacob Stevens, the driver of the CR-V, was also killed in the crash. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the wreck, including whether speed, distraction, or other factors may have contributed. The parked tractor-trailer was unoccupied, and its driver is cooperating with authorities.
The family was reportedly on their way to spend a summer day at Carowinds when their lives were cut tragically short. Taylor and Jake were engaged and had built a life around their young children and extended family. Kamron, the children’s cousin, had joined them for what was meant to be a joyful outing.
“They were full of life and love,” said April Willis, Taylor’s mother, who confirmed the identities of the victims. “They just wanted to make memories with their kids. Now we’re left with heartbreak and questions.”
The Bessemer City community has been deeply impacted by the loss, with friends, neighbors, and local churches coming together to support the grieving family. A memorial is growing outside the Willis home with flowers, candles, and stuffed animals in memory of the young lives lost.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol’s investigation remains ongoing. Toxicology tests are pending, and authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage to come forward.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the family with funeral expenses and medical care for Lacey, who continues to recover in the hospital.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this tragedy and is in need of support, local counseling resources are available, and the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988.
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