In the early hours of Sunday, December 15, 2024, tragedy struck on the U.S. 70 Bypass near Clayton, North Carolina, when a wrong-way driver in a white BMW crashed head-on into a Jeep Cherokee carrying a Goldsboro family, resulting in the death of 24-year-old Kortney Summer Atkins and serious injuries to her husband, their four-year-old son, and a family friend. The driver of the BMW fled the scene on foot, evading law enforcement despite an extensive search involving K-9 units. The fatal hit-and-run occurred at approximately 3 a.m. in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 319, close to Cornwallis Road, and has left a community in mourning while raising urgent questions about traffic safety and the legal consequences for reckless drivers.
The events began when the driver of the BMW, whose identity remains unknown, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of the U.S. 70 Bypass. This high-speed wrong-way driving maneuver created a catastrophic collision course with the Jeep Cherokee, which was traveling eastbound and carrying four occupants. The Cherokee was driven by a woman, accompanied by her passenger, Kortney Atkins, and Atkins’ four-year-old son and husband. Upon impact, the crash caused significant damage to both vehicles, leaving the Jeep mangled and the BMW engulfed in flames. According to eyewitness accounts and initial reports from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the force of the collision was so severe that it left debris scattered across the highway and required emergency responders to close the eastbound lanes for several hours.
As emergency crews rushed to the scene, it became apparent that the injuries sustained by the occupants of the Jeep were life-threatening. Kortney Atkins, who was sitting in the passenger seat, suffered critical injuries and was transported to WakeMed, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries en route. The driver of the Jeep, whose name has not been released, along with Atkins’ husband and their young son, were also transported to WakeMed with severe injuries. Hospital officials have since reported that all three survivors remain in critical but stable condition. The husband of Kortney Atkins later confirmed in a public statement that Atkins was his wife and the mother of their son, adding a personal dimension to the tragedy that has resonated deeply within the Goldsboro and Clayton communities.
In the aftermath of the collision, the driver of the BMW fled the scene on foot, leaving behind the burning wreckage of his vehicle and the devastation he had caused. Law enforcement officers, including K-9 units, conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area but were unable to locate the suspect. Investigators believe the man may have fled into nearby wooded areas or potentially been picked up by an accomplice, although no additional details about his identity or possible connections have been released. The BMW itself is now a critical piece of evidence, with authorities working to trace its registration and ownership in the hopes of identifying the driver. Troopers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol have also issued a public plea for anyone with information about the crash or the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward.
As the investigation unfolds, the community has been grappling with the profound loss of Kortney Atkins, a young mother described by friends and family as a devoted parent, loving wife, and vibrant individual whose life was cut tragically short. Social media has been flooded with messages of condolence and support for her family, with many expressing outrage at the driver’s decision to flee the scene rather than render aid to the victims. Local organizations and community leaders have also voiced concerns about the increasing frequency of wrong-way driving incidents on major highways, calling for enhanced safety measures such as improved signage, additional lighting, and the implementation of wrong-way detection systems.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the dangers of impaired or reckless driving, as authorities suspect the BMW driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wrong-way driving crashes, while relatively rare, are disproportionately deadly, with alcohol impairment being a factor in nearly 60% of such incidents. In North Carolina alone, state troopers have reported a concerning uptick in wrong-way driving incidents in recent years, prompting ongoing efforts to educate drivers about the risks and consequences of this dangerous behavior.
For the family of Kortney Atkins, however, the focus remains on healing and seeking justice for the life that was lost. In his statement to local media, Atkins’ husband expressed his devastation over the loss of his wife, describing her as “the heart and soul of our family” and vowing to ensure that her memory lives on. He also shared updates on the condition of their son, who is recovering from multiple injuries sustained in the crash, and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and strangers alike.
The broader implications of this tragedy extend beyond the immediate grief of those directly affected. The hit-and-run collision has underscored the critical need for stronger enforcement of traffic laws and more robust measures to prevent wrong-way driving. Experts in traffic safety have pointed to technological solutions such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that can detect and prevent wrong-way driving, as well as infrastructure improvements like the installation of physical barriers or directional spikes on highway exit ramps. These measures, while costly, could save lives and prevent future tragedies like the one that occurred on the U.S. 70 Bypass.
In the meantime, the search for the BMW driver continues, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to bring the individual to justice. The case has drawn significant attention from both local and national media, with many viewing it as a test of the criminal justice system’s ability to hold hit-and-run drivers accountable. If apprehended, the suspect could face a range of charges, including vehicular manslaughter, felony hit-and-run, and driving while impaired, all of which carry severe penalties under North Carolina law. Prosecutors and legal experts have emphasized the importance of sending a strong message that fleeing the scene of an accident is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
As the investigation progresses, the tragedy of Kortney Atkins’ death serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. For the residents of Goldsboro and Clayton, it is a call to action to prioritize roadway safety and to honor the memory of a young mother whose life was tragically cut short. The community has already begun organizing vigils and fundraisers to support Atkins’ family, demonstrating the resilience and solidarity that often emerge in the wake of such heart-wrenching events.
In conclusion, the fatal hit-and-run collision on the U.S. 70 Bypass near Clayton is a multifaceted tragedy that has left a lasting impact on all who have been touched by it. From the profound loss of Kortney Summer Atkins to the ongoing recovery of her family and the search for the fugitive driver, this incident encapsulates the human, legal, and societal dimensions of a preventable disaster. It is a story that demands accountability, reflection, and action, not only to ensure justice for Atkins and her family but also to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. As the community mourns and heals, the hope remains that her legacy will inspire meaningful change and greater awareness of the importance of safe and responsible driving.
