SHP: Impairment Suspected In Fatal I-40 Wrong-Way Collision

SAMPSON COUNTY – A 66-year-old woman was killed and two drivers were airlifted to a Raleigh hospital Saturday night after a wrong-way driver collided head-on with an SUV on Interstate 40 near Newton Grove.

The fatal collision occurred around 10:46 p.m. near the 343 mile marker.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, troopers were initially dispatched at 10:34 p.m. after receiving a report of a minivan traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-40.

Approximately 12 minutes later, troopers were notified the wrong-way vehicle had been involved in a head-on collision.

Investigators said Brian Skilton, 44, of Raleigh, was driving a 2019 Honda minivan westbound in the eastbound lanes when he collided with a 2017 SUV traveling east.

The SUV was driven by Ashly Miles, 25, of Leland, North Carolina. Her passenger, Donna Miles, 66, also of Leland, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Skilton and Ashly Miles were both airlifted to WakeMed in Raleigh for treatment of their injuries. Their conditions were not immediately available.

Troopers said all three occupants were wearing seat belts.

Speed is not believed to have contributed to the crash. However, investigators said impairment is suspected on the part of Skilton, the wrong-way driver.

Impairment is not suspected in the driver of the SUV.

The Highway Patrol said charges are pending as the investigation continues.