Father Charged In Crash That Killed 8 Year-Old Daughter

The Johnston County Report Photo

CLAYTON – The State Highway Patrol has filed charges in connection with a fatal wreck on Winston Road that claimed the life of an 8 year-old girl.

Anthony Douglas Furr, 34, of Garner has been charged with driving while impaired, careless and reckless driving, and child abuse following the 4:48pm Sunday crash. More charges have not been ruled out.

An official accident report was released Tuesday providing details about the fatal crash. According to the report, Anthony Furr was operating a 2017 Honda SUV at an estimated speed of 80 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone when he ran off Winston Road to the right and struck a ditch. The SUV overturned multiple times and came to rest off the roadway.

Mr. Furr and his wife, Jessica Leanne Furr, 32, of Garner, the front seat passenger, both sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries. Their two children, ages 3 and 8, were riding in the back seat.

Their 8 year-old daughter, Lauren, was ejected from the SUV. She later died from her injuries at WakeMed. The 3 year-old sustained minor injuries.

According to the report, both adults and the 8 year-old were wearing seat belts. The 3 year-old was in a child restraint seat. The report also noted the vehicle left 227 feet of tire impressions before striking the ditch and it traveled 351 feet after initial impact with the ditch.

The Johnston County Report Photo

The Highway Patrol says additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.

11 COMMENTS

  1. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. God, please comfort this family in their time of grief, help them to find peace and courage during such a tragic event. My heart is broken for the family. But, why was the father driving so fast?

  2. Why is he not charged with murder? Evidently he was drinking & driving and going 80mph in a 45mph zone. Seems like “willful misconduct” to me.

    • Agreed! The family is all over Facebook asking for donations but won’t even give the poor baby a proper funeral or burial. They’re cremating this poor innocent baby. With no funeral or burial what exactly do they need donations for? This guy killed his daughter. Shame on him and his wife.

      • I hope that someday you can learn what grace is. This man, who I know, is a very good man. Did he mess up? Absolutely. But what punishment could be worse than what he has to live with the rest of his life. And cremation is better for the environment. There is no need to waste land. Your comment is very self-centered.

        • Janice. As the only witness to this accident. He was driving erratically and arguing with his wife. He put those kids in danger. Grace yes…but accountability is paramount.

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