George Alwyin Smith

Raleigh — A Chevrolet Tahoe, traveling east on I-40 drove across the median into westbound traffic and collided with a Kia Optima then a Ford Mustang. George Alwyin Smith, 54, of Cary, was driving the Optima and was killed. Carolyn Hageman, 35, of Apex was driving the Mustang and suffered minor injuries. George was on his way to work as a computer programmer at Duke University. He was an avid gardener with an infectious laugh and a caring nature. Highway Patrol reported tire ruts in the median show the Tahoe was going so fast that the driver lost control and the vehicle slid sideways into the oncoming traffic. Michael Caldera De Latorre, 24, was driving the Tahoe and smelled of alcohol. De Latorre had an NCDL with his photo, but the name was fictitious. Federal immigration officers are investigating the status. Troopers charged De Latorre with DWI, felony death by motor vehicle, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, no operator’s license and careless and reckless driving. A passenger in the Tahoe, Roberto Castaneda, 18, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.