Cruz's Honda HR-V hit by another vehicle on Interstate 40
CATAWBA, NC, (August 01, 2025) - A 22-year-old woman from Bryson City was tragically killed Friday evening after her vehicle was struck by another driver on Interstate 40 in Catawba County.
Gabriella Elise Cruz, 22, was tragically killed Friday when another driver struck her vehicle on Interstate 40 in Catawba County.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Gabriella Elise Cruz was driving a Honda HR-V in the left lane around 7 p.m. when a Subaru Ascent, driven by a 41-year-old woman, collided with her vehicle amid heavy rainfall. Cruz sadly died at the scene as a result of her injuries.
The crash remains under investigation, and charges are pending following a review by the Catawba County District Attorney’s Office.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
During the investigation, authorities will determine if the weather was a factor in the Subaru striking Cruz’s vehicle, resulting in her untimely death.
Driving in the rain requires attention and patience, as wet roads can result in more dangerous driving conditions. Poor weather lowers visibility and traction, raising the risk of skidding, hydroplaning, and accidents. Many drivers overestimate their driving ability and bad weather, but nearly 5,700 people are killed and more than 544,700 people are injured in crashes on wet pavement annually, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“Time is of the essence, and families of victims must be assured that evidence is reviewed efficiently,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for The Legal Advocate. "An attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash and has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, while protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
The family of Gabriella Elise Cruz may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Surviving loved ones could seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and the financial burdens that often follow such a heartbreaking tragedy.
“Families who lose someone in a sudden, tragic incident face unimaginable pain,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “It is critical that their rights are protected throughout the investigation, and a wrongful death attorney can help ensure justice is pursued and their interests are represented.”
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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