Two people were killed and another seriously injured in a devastating car crash on Tuesday evening, June 10, in Onslow County, North Carolina. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (SHP), the collision occurred around 5:18 p.m. along Beulaville Highway near Jesse Williams Road.
The victims have been identified as 30-year-old Reginald Smith and 27-year-old Alissa Smith, both residents of Onslow County. Troopers say Reginald was driving the vehicle that attempted to pull out onto the highway when it entered the path of an oncoming car. The resulting collision was severe, and both Reginald and Alissa were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the second vehicle was critically injured and was first taken to the Naval Medical Center for emergency care. Due to the seriousness of the injuries, the individual was later transferred to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. Authorities have not released the name of the injured driver, and their current condition remains unknown.
Investigators believe the crash may have been caused by a failure to yield the right of way, though the investigation remains ongoing. Troopers are reviewing multiple factors, including the possibility of distraction, speed, and visibility at the time of the crash. Beulaville Highway is known for its fast-moving traffic, and pulling out from side roads can be especially dangerous if drivers cannot clearly see oncoming vehicles.
The loss of Reginald and Alissa Smith has left the Onslow County community reeling. Loved ones and neighbors are grieving the sudden and tragic loss of the couple. Friends have described them as kindhearted and devoted to each other, and tributes have begun pouring in on social media as word of the accident spreads.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is asking anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses or those with dashcam footage from the area are encouraged to contact local authorities to help reconstruct the events leading up to the fatal crash. As the investigation continues, officials are also reminding drivers to use extreme caution when entering highways and to always check thoroughly for oncoming traffic.
This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the dangers that exist on rural roadways and how a single moment can have irreversible consequences.