Driver Dies Following Single-Vehicle Crash In Sampson County

SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. — A 76-year-old Clinton man died Wednesday after losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a tree while attempting to enter Interstate 40 in Sampson County.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 8:24 a.m. on N.C. 55 at the westbound I-40 on-ramp.

Troopers said Robert Wayne Adams, 76, of Clinton, was driving a 2004 Cadillac westbound on N.C. 55 when he attempted to make a right turn onto the westbound I-40 entrance ramp. The Cadillac partially completed the turn before running off the left side of the on-ramp and striking a tree.

Adams, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was transported to Sampson Regional Hospital in Clinton with serious injuries. The State Highway Patrol said he later died at the hospital.

No other vehicles were involved in the collision.

Troopers said speed is believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash. Investigators do not suspect impairment, and Adams was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.

The crash remains under investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.