The Charlotte community is reeling from a catastrophic collision on Interstate 485 that claimed six lives and left a teenage girl hospitalized. The victims, identified by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, include 16-year-old Logan Sauer of Mooresville, who was driving a Honda CR-V, and five occupants of a Chrysler van: Samuel Holmes, 27; Taylor Willis, 23; Brynlon Holmes, age 1; Addyson Holmes, age 3; and Kamron Wood, age 8. A 16-year-old girl, the sole survivor from the van, was taken to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover physically, though the emotional toll of this tragedy will be profound.

The crash occurred around 11:06 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, on the outer loop of I-485 near Exit 9 (Wilkinson Boulevard) and the Dixie River Road bridge. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Honda CR-V, driven by Sauer, was traveling in the middle lane when it veered into the right lane, colliding with the Chrysler van. Both vehicles then veered off the right shoulder of the highway and struck a parked tractor-trailer. The impact was devastating, with both cars becoming trapped under the trailer, described by first responders as “shredded.” Emergency crews worked for over five hours in extreme heat to extricate the victims, with multiple agencies, including MEDIC and the Steele Creek Fire Department, responding to the scene.

Logan Sauer, the sole occupant of the Honda CR-V, was pronounced dead at the scene. In the Chrysler van, five of the six passengers—Samuel Holmes (the driver), Taylor Willis, Brynlon Holmes, Addyson Holmes, and Kamron Wood—lost their lives. The surviving 16-year-old girl was transported to Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center for treatment. The tractor-trailer, which was stationary and parked on the shoulder, was not at fault, and its driver was unharmed.

**A Community in Grief
The loss of six lives, including three children under the age of 10, has left Charlotte in mourning. Samuel Holmes and Taylor Willis, both in their 20s, were described by those who knew them as dedicated family members and cherished members of their communities. The deaths of Brynlon, Addyson, and Kamron have struck an especially deep chord, with their young lives cut tragically short. While official obituaries have not yet been released, the names of the victims have been confirmed by authorities, prompting an outpouring of grief and support across social media, local forums, and faith-based organizations.

Local churches and outreach groups are mobilizing to provide assistance to the affected families, including support for the teenage survivor’s recovery. Community members have expressed their sorrow and solidarity, with one motorist, Grant Goodwin, reflecting, “When everyone in your car dies but you, I don’t know how you can handle that.” Memorial funds are expected to be established to help cover funeral expenses and provide long-term support for the families.

**Investigation and Road Closure
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation to determine the factors contributing to the crash. Preliminary reports suggest no signs of criminal wrongdoing, and the incident is being treated as a tragic accident. No charges are currently pending. The collision caused significant disruptions, with the outer loop of I-485 near Wilkinson Boulevard closed for several hours until just after 5:30 p.m. on July 26, 2025. First responders faced challenging conditions, with radio communications revealing urgent efforts to extricate trapped victims and manage the chaotic scene.

**Timeline of Events
– **July 26, 2025**: Multi-vehicle crash occurs on I-485 outer loop near Wilkinson Boulevard at 11:06 a.m., involving a Honda CR-V, a Chrysler van, and a parked tractor-trailer.
– **July 26, 2025**: Six individuals are pronounced dead at the scene; one 16-year-old girl is hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
– **July 27, 2025**: Victims are identified as Logan Sauer, Samuel Holmes, Taylor Willis, Brynlon Holmes, Addyson Holmes, and Kamron Wood.

**A Lasting Impact
The loss of Logan Sauer, Samuel Holmes, Taylor Willis, and the three young children has left an indelible mark on Charlotte. Their memories will live on in the hearts of their families, friends, and the broader community. As the surviving teenager begins her recovery, Charlotte stands united in offering compassion, prayers, and support. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of unimaginable loss.