Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 29, 2026

Contact: David Fath, Communications Director

(704) 985-4935

Email: dfath@albemarlenc.gov 

Head‑On Collision & Traffic Fatality

Albemarle, North Carolina – On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at approximately 6:45 a.m., officers and emergency responders were dispatched to a multi‑vehicle collision on US 52 at Salisbury Avenue.

The initial investigation revealed a Stanly County Public Transportation Bus and a Ford pickup were traveling northbound when a southbound Jeep struck an object in the road, causing the driver to lose control and enter the northbound lanes, colliding head‑on with the bus. The pickup then struck the rear of the bus.

The driver of the bus, Stella Redfearn Dase, 60 years old, of Albemarle, was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The driver of the Jeep sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

The vehicle that the object originated from has been located. Dustin Kendall age 37 of New London has been charged with Failure to Secure Load and Expired Registration.

US 52 was temporarily closed while officers investigated and crews cleared the roadway. This incident remains under active investigation.

The Albemarle Police Department would like to thank the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for their assistance with this traffic collision.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Albemarle Police Department at 704‑984‑7500 or submit information through Stanly County Crime Stoppers at 704‑986‑3700.