Smithfield Police confirmed Thursday that alcohol was a factor in a fatal crash on Tuesday that claimed the life of a well-known local resident.
Thomas R. Royall, 58, of South Crescent Drive, Smithfield died in a collision with another vehicle at 1:06pm at the intersection of South Third and East Lee Streets. Police said Royall had stopped on East Lee Street for a stop sign but pulled directly into the path of an oncoming truck, driven by John Henry Roberson Jr. 47, of South Second Street, Smithfield, that was traveling southbound on South Third Street.
Police said Roberson, who was not injured, was traveling at the posted speed limit and was not at fault.
Royall was rushed to Wake Medical Center by ambulance where he was pronounced deceased at 2:01pm, according to Smithfield Police.
According to an accident report obtained by WTSB News, a police officer detected an odor of alcohol from inside Royall’s 1996 Honda. A cold malt beverage container was also found in the driver’s seat floor board.
No charges will be filed, according to Police Captain R.K. Powell.
