Clayton, NC (December 16, 2024) – A hit-and-run crash involving a wrong-way driver claimed the life of a 24-year-old mother and left three others, including her young son, seriously injured early Sunday morning on the US 70 Bypass near Cornwallis Rd.
The collision occurred shortly after 3 a.m. when a white BMW, traveling west in the eastbound lanes of US 70 Bypass, collided head-on with a white Jeep Cherokee occupied by a family from Goldsboro. The BMW caught fire after the wreck, and the driver, a man, fled the scene on foot. Despite searches involving K-9 units, the suspect has not yet been located, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Kortney Summer Atkins, 24, a passenger in the Jeep, succumbed to her injuries while being transported to WakeMed. The woman driving the Jeep, a 4-year-old boy, and the child’s father were all seriously injured and taken to WakeMed for further treatment. Authorities confirmed that Atkins was married to the boy’s father, who later shared that their son was among those injured in the tragic incident.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol stated that multiple calls were made to Raleigh dispatch reporting the wrong-way BMW before the crash. Troopers had attempted to locate the vehicle before the collision occurred.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Kortney Summer Atkins during this incredibly difficult time, and we also wish for the full recovery of the injured individuals.
Wrong-Way Crashes in North Carolina
Wrong-way collisions, though rare, are among the most devastating types of motor vehicle accidents due to their typically high-speed and head-on nature. In North Carolina, incidents involving wrong-way drivers often result in severe injuries and fatalities, as seen in the tragic crash on US 70 Bypass.
Common causes of wrong-way crashes include impaired driving, driver confusion, or reckless behavior. These crashes disproportionately occur during nighttime hours when visibility is reduced. Despite efforts from law enforcement and highway patrol, preventing such incidents remains a significant challenge, as was evident in this case where troopers were unable to locate the wrong-way driver in time.
Victims and their families often face immense emotional, physical, and financial burdens in the aftermath of such incidents. In cases involving hit-and-run drivers, the challenges of seeking justice and accountability add an additional layer of difficulty for those affected.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a similar tragedy, it is important to seek both medical care and legal guidance to protect your rights and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.