SMITHFIELD – Smithfield Police released details Tuesday about a serious weekend crash involving a motorcycle and SUV on Highway 210 near Skyland Drive. Two people riding on the motorcycle were critically injured and remain hospitalized.
At 6:18pm Friday, police said Garrette Nixon Mitchell, 51, of Clayton was traveling eastbound on Highway 210 in a 2002 Lexus SUV and was attempting to make a left turn onto Skyland Drive. Mitchell reportedly failed to yield for a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling westbound and operated by William Fretwell, 50, of Smithfield. Fretwell and a passenger, Susan Fretwell, 48, were ejected. They were rushed to Wake Med in Raleigh with numerous injuries.
Mitchell received minor injuries and was evaluated at the scene but was not transported, according to an accident report.
Police estimated the motorcycle was traveling at 45 mph, the posted speed limit, when it collided with the SUV, which was traveling at 5 mph as it turned.
The accident remains under investigation.
