The N.C. Highway Patrol reports that 20-year-old Tyler Bartholomew was speeding when he ran off Corbin road on the left and overcorrected.
Troopers say he then veered off the right side of the road, hit an embankment and went airborne before slamming into a tree.
His passenger, 47-year-old Randy Jernigan, also died in the accident.
Alcohol is not considered a factor at this time (pending an autopsy).