SUV driver dies following crash on I-85 in Durham

Authorities said the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, driven by Alexander Malykin, 42, of Durham, collided with a tractor-trailer driven by Daniel Blythe, 45, of Murfreesboro, at about 11:30 a.m.

Malykin was taken to an area hospital, where he died as a result of his injuries.

Blythe was treated for minor injuries, police said.

Authorities did not immediately say what caused the SUV driver to lose control and crash into the back of the tractor-trailer.

Authorities said drugs and alcohol did not appear to be factors in the crash and no charges have been filed.

After a second wreck in the backup, authorities closed I-85 south at Exit 173, Cole Mill Road, and began detouring drivers off the highway at Exit 174A to US-15/501 South to Exit 108C (NC-147 North) and from NC-147 North back to I-85 South.