A Smithfield man who was critically injured in a 2011 car crash in Johnston County has died.
At the age of 17, Fredrick “Freddie” Lempe III of Smithfield was a passenger in a 1995 Ford Mustang that hydroplaned during a heavy rainstorm on March 6, 2011 on Highway 39 North of Selma near Old Beulah Road. The car overturned ejecting Lempe and the 18 year-old driver.
Lempe sustained head trauma and a serious brain injury and remained in a coma after the accident.
Lempe died Saturday night. According to a Facebook post, “Freddie didn’t suffer, his heart slowly stopped beating and he went home peacefully.” His father was by his side.
“Jesus took Freddie in his loving arms home to be with his heavenly father. Freddie is rejoicing with a healthy body with his Mom and Grandma,” according to the social media post.
A GoFundMe page has been established by friends and family to help pay for his funeral expenses. As of Noonon Wednesday, $1,600 had been raised.
You can also contribute directly to Parrish Funeral Home, c/o Freddie Lempe, 1351 S. Pollock Street, Selma, NC 27576. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
