Posted: Jan 13, 2026
GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Newland man is facing multiple felony charges after a crash in Burke County left his passenger dead and sent him to the hospital with critical injuries, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Fatal Crash Reported on NC 181
Troopers say the crash happened just after 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, along NC 181 near Fish Hatchery Road. Investigators determined that a 2006 Ford F-150 was traveling north when it ran off the roadway and struck a tree.
The passenger in the truck, identified as Joel Morales Ramirez of Newland, was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash.
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The driver was transported to UNC Health Blue Ridge–Morganton with critical injuries.
According to investigators, speed and impairment were contributing factors in the crash. Tzalam has been charged with:
- Felony death by motor vehicle
- Driving while impaired
- Reckless driving
The investigation remains ongoing.
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