Troopers: 71 Year-Old Man Killed In U.S. 701 Crash

SAMPSON COUNTY — A 71-year-old man died after being ejected from his vehicle during a crash Wednesday morning on U.S. 701 in Sampson County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported at 11:47 a.m. near Kenneth Carter Road. Troopers said a 2008 Dodge SUV driven by Donald N. Matthews of Garland was traveling north on U.S. 701 behind a 2001 Chevrolet pickup driven by Joe D. Barnes, 55, also of Garland.

Matthews attempted to pass the pickup in a designated passing zone but was unable to safely complete the maneuver due to oncoming traffic, troopers said. The Dodge sideswiped the pickup, causing Matthews to lose control of the SUV.

The SUV ran off the right side of the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned. Barnes’ pickup came to rest on the shoulder following the collision.

Matthews was ejected from the SUV and was flown by medical helicopter to WakeMed, where he later died from his injuries.

Troopers said speed is believed to have been a contributing factor. Matthews was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Barnes was not reported to be seriously injured.

The crash remains under investigation by the State Highway Patrol.