Highway Patrol Identifies Two Drivers Killed In Harnett County

The Highway Patrol has identified two drivers killed in a head on collision Wednesday night in Harnett County. The collision occurred at 8:51pm on NC 87 near the Lee County line.

Troopers said Nicholas Bradbury, 33, of Cameron was traveling southbound on NC 87 in a 2005 Dodge pickup when he ran off the roadway to the right, overcorrected and crossed the centerline striking head on a 2013 Ford passenger car traveling northbound.

Bradbury was not wearing a seat belt. He was ejected and died at the scene. The driver of the Ford, Shameka Dowdy, 43, of Sanford was wearing a seat belt but also died at the scene from her injuries.

A passenger in the Ford, Damon Smith, 46, of Sanford, was airlifted to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill with critical injuries.

Harnett County Highway Patrol First Sgt. S. Cotton said impaired is not suspected as a contributing factor, however speed and driving left of center were factors for Mr. Bradbury causing the crash.