State Troopers: Alcohol, Speed Factors In Deadly US 70 Crash

PRINCETON — A Princeton man has been charged with felony death by motor vehicle and driving while impaired following a fatal crash Sunday afternoon on U.S. 70 in Johnston County, according to the State Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported at 4:19 p.m. in the eastbound lanes near the Wayne County line.

Troopers said Linwood Chad Beasley, 22, was driving a 2022 GMC pickup east when he failed to reduce speed and struck the rear of a 2025 Chevrolet Trax.

The Chevrolet was driven by Tracy Danielle Nichols, 34, of Princeton, authorities said.

Both vehicles came to rest on the shoulder of the roadway. Firefighters used extrication tools to remove Nichols from her vehicle, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers said alcohol and speed are suspected factors in the crash. The Highway Patrol’s Collision Reconstruction Unit is assisting with the investigation.

Beasley was arrested at the scene and charged with felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired and carrying a concealed weapon. He was taken to the Johnston County Detention Center.

Eastbound lanes of U.S. 70 were closed for about two hours during the investigation.