On Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 6:42 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash on NW Zion Church Road between NW Milne Road and NW Gordon Road, north of the city of Cornelius. Witnesses reported that the two vehicles involved were a black Chevrolet Impala and a silver Mercedes-Benz E350.
The driver of the Chevrolet was found to be deceased by responding medical personnel. He was later identified as Jonathan Rojas, 39, of Cornelius.
The driver of the Mercedes-Benz sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local trauma hospital by ambulance.
Investigators from the Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Team (CART) responded to lead the investigation. Initial reports indicate that Rojas did not negotiate a curve correctly and lost control going into oncoming traffic.
Rojas’s family was notified of his death.
The Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) is a multi-agency team of specially trained law enforcement officers from the Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. The team investigates and reconstructs traffic crashes that may result in the prosecution of felony assault or manslaughter charges. The team can also assist with diagramming crime scenes.
