By Charlotte Smith
Both directions of NC-87, near Tar Heel Road were closed yesterday due to a vehicle crash, according to N.C. Department of Transportation. On Wednesday morning, Trooper Anders with the North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed one man from White Oak involved in the wreck passed away.
A tractor-trailer driver was traveling north on Highway 87 Tuesday morning hauling lumber and Mr. Steve Smith was traveling through the interaction of Highway 87 and Tar Heel Road. The tractor-trailer driver is suspected of running a red light at the intersection of 87 and Tar Heel Road, striking Smith’s utility truck on the driver’s side. Smith was ejected from the vehicle due to the impact of the crash.
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Smith was transported to Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville. Trooper Anders visited Smith yesterday after the wreck at the hospital and reported the victim was alert, responsive, and in stable condition.
The tractor-trailer driver, who is self-employed, received a citation for failing to stop at the red light. However, on Wednesday morning Smith passed away.
Trooper Anders explained the hospital reported Smith was improving on Tuesday, but after coding he was taken back to ICU on Wednesday morning where he then passed away. The cause of death is not known at this time.
According to the report, Smith was born on April 15, 1961 and was from White Oak.
Tropper Anders confirmed on Thursday, April 16, 2020, Corey Bordeaux was the the tractor-trailer driver and is also being charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
More information will be provided as soon as it is made available.
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