RALEIGH, N.C. — A deadly wrong-way crash shut down Interstate 40 in south Raleigh for several hours early Sunday morning, claiming the lives of two drivers. The collision occurred just before 4 a.m. near the Gorman Street exit, according to Raleigh police.
Authorities identified the victims as 27-year-old Jonathan Perry Jr. of Raleigh and 37-year-old Alaina Mathews of Cary. Investigators determined Perry was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when his 2006 Lexus IS250 struck Mathews’ 2024 Volkswagen Taos head-on.
Preliminary evidence suggests Perry mistakenly entered the highway going the wrong direction after turning right from Gorman Street onto the I-40 eastbound ramp. Police reported detecting alcohol odor in Perry’s vehicle and found an open container at the driver’s feet. Toxicology tests are pending to determine if impairment played a role.
The violent collision forced the complete closure of I-40 East between exits 293 and 295 for more than five hours during the morning commute. Traffic was diverted onto the shoulder as emergency crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigators documented the scene. All lanes reopened around 9:45 a.m.
Mathews, who was traveling alone, died at the scene despite attempts to avoid the collision. Perry also died in the crash. The investigation remains active as authorities work to reconstruct the events leading up to the tragedy.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Raleigh Police Department’s Traffic Investigation Unit. The incident marks Raleigh’s third fatal wrong-way collision this year, renewing concerns about highway safety measures.
