Joel Ramirez dies in fatal Burke County, North Carolina crash

Joel Ramirez dies in fatal Burke County, North Carolina crash

Fatal Burke County, North Carolina crash death of Joel Ramirez – Obituary

Joel Ramirez lost his life in a truck crash Friday night in Burke County, North Carolina, authorities reported.

The accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on January 9 along Highway 181 near Fish Hatchery Road in Morganton. Troopers said the northbound truck, driven by Yoan Tzalam, left the roadway and collided with a tree. Ramirez, a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Tzalam was critically injured and transported to UNC Health Blue Ridge–Morganton for treatment.

Investigators determined that speed and driver impairment contributed to the crash. Tzalam now faces charges including felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, and reckless driving.