The Charlotte community is in mourning following the tragic death of Peter Jacob Didier, 32, who was killed early Saturday morning in a wrong-way collision on I-277 near Exit 1E in Uptown. The fatal crash occurred just hours after excitement filled the city for the Carolina Panthers’ first preseason game, casting a pall over the weekend.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, Didier was driving a red 2006 Honda Civic when he traveled against traffic in the southbound lanes of I-277, striking a black 1996 Ford Explorer head-on at approximately 2:45 a.m. The impact caused extensive damage to both vehicles and left debris scattered across the roadway.
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First responders pronounced Didier dead at the scene. The Ford’s driver, a 57-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. Police confirmed that the Ford’s driver was sober at the time of the crash. Investigators are still working to determine whether speed, impairment, or other factors contributed to Didier’s wrong-way travel.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation closed part of I-277 past Exit 1D until around 8:30 a.m. as crews worked to investigate and clear the wreckage, disrupting early morning traffic.
Remembering Peter Jacob Didier
Friends and family describe Didier as compassionate, warm, and devoted to the people in his life. He was known for making others feel valued and for his unwavering support of loved ones. His sudden death leaves a deep void and serves as a painful reminder of life’s fragility.
As Charlotte grieves, those who knew Didier are holding onto cherished memories and honoring his life by sharing stories, offering prayers, and embracing the people they love. Though his life was cut short, his impact will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.