CLAREMONT, NC – One person died and four others were taken to the hospital after a single-vehicle crash in Catawba County Saturday night, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Around 11 p.m., deputies responded to US 70 near Heart Drive.

Five occupants were traveling east on US 70 in a Honda Accord when the driver lost control, went off the left side of the road and struck several trees, the highway patrol said.

A passenger, 20-year-old Rocky Houston, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. The driver, Adriel Rodriguez, 21, and three other passengers were also ejected from the vehicle and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. All four survivors were taken to hospital.

Troopers said excessive speed and impairment were contributing factors in the crash. Charges are pending further investigation, the patrol said.