The NC Highway Patrol has released the names of those involved in a single vehicle accident Wednesday that claimed the life of a 8 year-old girl. At the same time, the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office has announced that no charges would be filed against the girl’s father who was driving at the time of the crash.
Around 11:15am, troopers said Douglas Hutchins of Clayton was traveling eastbound on Highway 42 East of Clayton between Glen Laurel Road and Castleberry Road. Hutchins was operating a black 2011 Toyota SUV. Hutchins swerved to the right to avoid striking the rear of a car that had stopped for traffic.
The SUV traveled approximately 140 feet down an embankment, struck a tree stump and then overturned landing partially in a pond.
The back seat passenger, 8 year-old Lucie Hutchins, was rushed to Wake Medical Center in Raleigh but died about 90 minutes later as a result of her injuries.
Her older sister, 11 year-old Ella Hutchins, was trapped in the front passenger seat. Douglas Hutchins was trapped in the driver’s seat. Both were extricated by emergency crews and also taken to WakeMed. Ella reportedly suffered broken bones and remains hospitalized. Her father also remains hospitalized.
The Johnston County District Attorney’s Office said no charges would be filed.
Lucie Hutchins’ death is the 10th fatal accident on Johnston County roadways this year. Photos by John Payne
