A tragic accident on Interstate 40 claimed the life of a Black Mountain woman on Saturday morning, leaving family, friends, and the community in mourning.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 11:00 a.m. on I-40 East near North Oxford Street in Catawba County. Troopers say a 2007 Ford Focus driven by 47-year-old Kimberly Anne Brown veered off the left side of the highway, striking a guardrail. The vehicle then re-entered the roadway before running off the right side and colliding with a tree.

Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Brown died at the scene from her injuries. Officials confirmed that neither speed nor impairment are believed to have been factors in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

Brown, a resident of Black Mountain, is remembered by loved ones as a caring and warm-hearted individual. Friends say she had a generous spirit and a way of making others feel valued. While details about her personal life have not been formally released, those who knew her describe her as someone who always placed her family and community first.

The sudden loss has left many in shock, as Brown’s life was cut tragically short. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision, but they emphasize that sometimes accidents occur without clear contributing factors.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is expected to release additional information as it becomes available.