Albemarle, NC (July 29, 2026) – A chain-reaction highway crash during the Wednesday morning, July 29, commute claimed the life of a public transit bus driver on U.S. 52 in Albemarle. The fatal wreck happened around 6:45 a.m. after a Jeep traveling southbound struck a tire jack lying in the roadway.
Investigators said the driver lost control after hitting the object, crossed into the northbound lanes, and hit a Stanly County Public Transportation bus head-on. A Ford pickup traveling behind the bus then struck the bus’s rear. Stella Redfearn Dase, 60, of Albemarle, who was driving the bus, died at the roadside. The Jeep driver was seriously injured and taken to a hospital.
The tire jack was later traced to a vehicle driven by Dustin Kendall, 37, of New London. Investigators charged Kendall with failure to secure a load and driving with an expired vehicle registration. At the time, the light transit vehicle was carrying another transit employee and two passengers.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation as investigators continue to gather additional evidence.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Stella Dase’s family, friends, and co-workers during this difficult time.
How Unsecured Cargo Can Create Serious Highway Hazards
Objects that fall from vehicles can quickly become dangerous obstacles, especially on busy highways where drivers have little time to react. Even relatively small items, such as tools or equipment, may cause drivers to swerve suddenly or lose control, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle crashes.
Drivers are generally expected to secure cargo before traveling to prevent objects from shifting or falling onto the roadway. Regularly checking straps, tie-downs, and vehicle storage areas can help reduce these risks. Highway traffic moving at higher speeds leaves little room for evasive action, making debris-related crashes particularly hazardous. When loose cargo obstructs the roadway, multiple vehicles may become involved within seconds, leading to severe injuries, roadway closures, and lasting consequences for everyone affected.
