The Highway Patrol is trying to determine what caused a driver to veer off Interstate 40 near the Johnston-Wake County line on Saturday. The wreck killed the driver, 45 year-old Stephen Richardson of Raleigh.
Around 11:04am, Richardson was traveling eastbound on I-40 in a 1996 Ford Ranger pickup when he ran off the roadway to the right striking a guardrail then a bridge abutment.
Troopers said Richardson was wearing his seat belt and was traveling the posted speed limit of 65mph at the time of the single vehicle accident. Alcohol was not a factor.
Trooper J.D. Warwick is investigating the fatal mishap.
Photos courtesy John Payne.
