Man dies after vehicle crashes into creek in Gaston County

GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - A man died after his vehicle crashed into a creek in Gaston County, police said.

According to the Gastonia Police Department, the incident happened in the 1700 block of Lowell Bethesda Road, just south of Gaston Christian School, near Duharts Creek.

Police responded to the area around 4:57 p.m. on Thursday.

Once at the scene, first responders found one person in the vehicle.

Police later identified the man as a 65-year-old Eddie Dean Smith, who had been reported missing on Wednesday afternoon.

Investigators determined that Smith’s Ram truck had crossed the double-yellow line while heading north on Lowell Bethesda Road before entering Duharts Creek and overturning.

After the truck entered the creek, it floated about 100 yards downstream before coming to a rest.

Officials believe the crash may have happened between 9:30 and 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

No other vehicles were involved in the incident.

Investigators ask that anyone who may have been traveling through the area on Wednesday morning to call 704-842-5165 with any information.

Also Read: Off-duty police officer arrested, charged with murder in Gaston County

Copyright 2022 WBTV. All rights reserved.