MARTIN COUNTY, N.C. — A fatal crash late Thursday night on U.S. 64 near Everetts, North Carolina claimed the life of a 47-year-old man, leaving the community reeling. The collision involved a wrong-way driver and a tractor-trailer, prompting a swift response from emergency crews who worked through the night to manage the scene.
According to state troopers, the crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. Authorities said a vehicle traveling the wrong way on the highway collided head-on with a tractor-trailer. The driver of the car, identified as Corey Shaw, was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers confirmed that Shaw was the only occupant of the vehicle.
The tractor-trailer involved in the collision was carrying a load of potatoes. Its driver sustained minor injuries in the crash and was transported to ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital for treatment. Officials noted that the driver was alert and cooperating with authorities as the investigation began.
The crash caused significant disruption on U.S. 64. One lane of the highway remained closed for roughly four hours while emergency responders worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the scene. The closure led to delays for motorists, but crews were able to reopen the roadway once the area was deemed safe and all necessary evidence had been collected.
State troopers said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials have not yet released information about why Shaw was driving the wrong way, or whether factors such as alcohol, fatigue, or road conditions played a role. Investigators continue to review witness statements, examine evidence, and reconstruct the events leading up to the collision to determine exactly how it occurred.
Authorities are urging drivers in the area to exercise caution, particularly at night, and to remain alert to potential hazards on the highway. The death of Corey Shaw serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of wrong-way driving and the devastating consequences traffic accidents can have on individuals and families. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and officials say more details will be released as they become available.
