ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Police Department is investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred this weekend in West Asheville.
APD officers responded to reports of a multi-vehicle collision around 2:52 p.m. on Saturday, June 7 near Exit 1B on Interstate 240 West. Their preliminary investigation indicates that a 2015 Jeep Wrangler, operated by Zachariah Robert Cosgrove, 41, was traveling westbound on I-240. While changing lanes, Cosgrove collided with a 1984 Pontiac Firebird, causing his Jeep to roll over and subsequently collide with a 2018 Ford F-150 traveling in the same direction. The F-150 also overturned as a result of the impact.
Cosgrove was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle when it rolled. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Next of kin has been notified. Another passenger in the Jeep was transported to Mission Hospital with minor injuries.
“The Asheville Police Department urges all drivers and passengers to buckle up – every trip, every time,” wrote APD Public Information Officer Rick Rice. “Wearing a seatbelt can be the difference between life and death. Buckling up can cut your risk of being killed or seriously injured in the event of a severe collision.”
The APD investigation into the collision is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact APD at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip by texting “TIP2APD” to 847411 or by using the TIP2APD app.