Driver in deadly wrong-way I-85 crash had DUI history

The driver accused of causing a wrong-way crash on Interstate 85 on Friday had a history of driving under the influence, according to court documents. Ryan Stamper was found to be driving northbound in the southbound lanes of I-85 near Concord Mills around 5:20 a.m. Friday morning, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Stamper's vehicle collided head-on with a vehicle being driven in the correct direction by Robert Muelleman. Both drivers died in the crash, according to officials. While there were no passengers in the vehicles driven by Stamper and Muelleman, there were three other collisions as a result of the head-on crash. In total, 3 other people were transported to the hospital for treatment of various injuries. Stamper was arrested in Mecklenburg County in 2021 for driving under the influence, according to court documents. He was also cited in 2024 for driving in Rowan County on a suspended license. Friday's crash occurred near Exit 49 for Bruton Smith Blvd. and Concord Mills Blvd. Authorities closed the roadway for several hours while the crash was investigated. The road was fully reopened by 10:30 am. https://www.wcnc.com/article/traffic/crash-i-85-south-concord-mills-traffic-impact/275-7a87589d-2ca0-485f-a1a8-5d9abb78d4c3