GRANITE FALLS, N.C. — Authorities have identified Christine Mary Hallett, 55, of Charlotte, as the victim of a deadly three-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday morning, September 10, 2025, on US 321 at River Bend Drive in Caldwell County.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 9:10 a.m. when a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, driven by 81-year-old James Oliver Mull Jr. of Granite Falls, attempted to turn left onto River Bend Drive against a red light. The Jeep collided with a northbound 2000 Dodge Dakota driven by 62-year-old Wilson Brent Phillips of Lenoir.
The impact caused the Dakota to lose control, cross multiple lanes, and strike a 2008 Hyundai Sonata traveling south on US 321. Hallett, the driver of the Sonata, was critically injured and transported by EMS to Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, where she later died from her injuries.
Troopers reported that Mull and his passenger were not injured in the collision, and Phillips also escaped injury. Investigators found no evidence of speeding or impairment as contributing factors.
Charges are pending against Mull following consultation with the Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office. The crash forced partial closures of US 321 for about two hours while investigators and emergency crews worked the scene.
The fatal collision has left family, friends, and the Charlotte community mourning the loss of Christine Hallett, as authorities continue their investigation into the tragic incident.
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