A tragic accident on Wednesday claimed the lives of an active-duty U.S. Navy sailor and his wife, as confirmed by the North Carolina Highway Patrol. The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Ludie Brown Road and Willie Hatcher Road.
The victims were identified as Simba Wallace, stationed at Camp Lejeune, and his wife, Natalie Castro. According to the investigation, the couple was traveling south on Willie Hatcher Road in their Jeep Wrangler when they failed to yield to a semi-truck traveling west on Ludie Brown Road. The semi-truck, which was transporting chickens, collided with the Jeep, causing it to overturn.
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The semi-truck veered off the road to the left and came to a stop partially off the roadway. Sadly, both Wallace and Castro were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck suffered minor injuries and was taken to ECU Health Duplin Hospital for treatment.
This devastating crash serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for caution and adherence to traffic rules, particularly at intersections. The loss of Simba Wallace, a devoted service member, and his wife, Natalie Castro, has left a profound impact on their family, friends, and the Camp Lejeune community.