CLAYTON – The State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal two car accident that claimed the life of a Johnston County woman. The collision was reported just after 8:30am today (Tuesday) on NC 42 East at Castleberry Road.
Troopers said a burgundy Honda, driven by Rita Spensser of Clayton, was traveling eastbound on NC 42 and attempting to make a left turn onto Castleberry Road. Spensser turned into the path of a westbound silver Lexus, driven by Justin Christmas, age 20, of Selma.
The Honda was struck in the passenger side and overturned. EMS transported the 44 year-old victim to WakeMed where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
Christmas, the driver of the Lexus, sustained non-life threatening injuries. He was transported by his mother to Johnston Medical Center for treatment.
The Highway Patrol charged Justin Christmas with speeding above the posted speed limit and careless driving.
Westbound lanes of NC 42 were closed for nearly two hours before reopening.
The State Highway Patrol, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Johnston County EMS, and North Side Fire responded.
Rita was a dear friend of many. She was a wife, mother and a teacher. She will be missed by all of us. Pray for her family please.
Did this 17year old take a physical driving test? Or are they still waiving that because of “COVID”?
What 17 year old?
Shhh…that tidbit doesn’t fit their narrative.
All along the “new” 42 are more speeders, red light runners and “ no turn signal” users than ever before. Not to mention those who stay in the left lane, almost to 70 because the line for the right hand merge onto 70 is so long, only to stop traffic because they can’t get in the right turning line. Then, because the line at the light at 42 and 70 is so long people run that light ALL THE TIME. There is no one to thank but the poor designers, builders of 42 and the uncontrolled cancer of “growth” in Clayton. I believe this is the 3rd lost life on that section of 42 ( the other being a father and daughter who went off the road on the hill passed the river, correct me if I’m wrong). Shame on Clayton, the designers and builders of the “new” 42
I TOTALLY agree!
Be careful people! Prayers for Rita’s family and Jason.
The world lost a bright light today. Rita touched the lives of so many for the better.
Instead of police sitting in the median just past caterpillar , they may want to hangout at that intersection or 70/42. They would catch a whole bunch of light runners.
Ms. Spensser is my son’s kindergarten teacher. It was so hard telling a 6 year old he’ll never see his beloved teacher again. Calm down on the roads, people! This tragedy should have never happened and leaves so much tragedy for family, friends, students, etc. We will miss her!
as her step son this really hurts my soul to see this it’s going to be very difficult now that she isn’t with us anymore
I’m very sorry for such a loss that was impacting our future generations.. so sorry for your lost..I have nothing to give except prayers for you all..and peace someway is the outcome in Jesus name.. hard to understand but his ways are higher than ours. With the love of God I wish above all
Our community is deviated by this loss. Her husband and children are left with a void that can never be filled. Rita is a bright light that can’t be replaced. A dedicated educator and loving individual.