Driver Dies When Truck Strikes Bridge

Fatal I40 8-3-15 2The 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.