Monday, October 14
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2 Children Killed, Mother Injured In Overnight Crash on I-73

ASHEBORO N.C. – Two children died, and a their mother was seriously injured overnight in a vehicle crash on I-73, north of Asheboro.

Just before 1 a.m, on Monday May 30th 2022, first responders with Westside Fire Department and Randolph County EMS were dispatched to an unknown vehicle accident on I-73/74 northbound, at the Spero Rd exit. As dispatchers gathered more information they learned it was a single vehicle accident with two children severely injured. Dispatchers added an additional 2 ambulances as well as Ash-Rand Rescue, and notified Baptist Air Care.

Credit: Michael Billings (Facebook)

According to the NC Highway Patrol a female driver of a Cadillac sedan and lost control of the vehicle and hit a highway sign before running off the road and hitting a tree. Troopers say two children, aged seven and nine, were killed in the crash. The driver of the car, only identified as the children’s mother, was taken to an area hospital.

Initial reports say that everyone was wearing a seatbelt, but Troopers say the accident is still under investigation.


UPDATE (5/31/22 12pm) – Today we have learned more about the fatal accident that left 2 children dead earlier this week.

In a press release by the North Carolina Highway Patrol (NC SHP) troopers identified the driver as 24-year-old Ashlee Anne Caldwell-Crandell, of Asheboro, N.C.

According to the Highway Patrol, the crash was caused after Caldwell-Crandell attempted to exit off I-73 onto Spero Road after passing the on-ramp. Caldwell-Crandell received serious life-threatening and was transported to Moses H. Cone Hospital in Greensboro. Two (2) of Caldwell-Crandell’s children were seated in the rear seat of her vehicle during the crash. Both children died on scene.

Troopers say they are still investigating the cause of the collision. At this time believe speed to be a contributing factor. Charges are pending against Caldwell-Crandell.