In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded on Thursday, December 5, 2024, a devastating head-on collision on U.S. Highway 301 near Mobley Road in Lucama, Wilson County, claimed the lives of four individuals. The crash, which occurred at approximately 4:49 p.m., involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, one vehicle was heading northbound while the other was traveling southbound when they collided head-on. The impact was catastrophic, causing one vehicle to overturn and land off the road while the other was engulfed in flames, leaving no survivors.
Authorities have identified three of the four victims as Greta Lynn Ray, her husband, known on social media as Ant Ray, and Bre Anderson, who was affectionately called “Lul Brandi” by friends and family. The identity of the fourth victim remains undisclosed as of this report, pending notification of next of kin. This tragic event has left the small community of Lucama and surrounding areas reeling, as loved ones, friends, and local residents grapple with the sudden and devastating loss.
Details of the Incident
The collision occurred during the late afternoon, a time when traffic on U.S. Highway 301 is relatively steady as commuters return home and residents navigate local roads for errands and travel. Preliminary investigations by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol suggest that the crash may have been the result of driver error or unforeseen circumstances, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Both vehicles carried two occupants, none of whom survived the violent collision.
Witness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the aftermath. Kristina McDougle, a local resident who happened upon the scene moments after the crash, described her shock and sorrow. Speaking to WRAL News, McDougle reflected on how narrowly she had avoided being part of the accident herself. “If I hadn’t stopped at Dollar General, I might’ve been in that crash,” she said. “It breaks my heart. It’s almost Christmas, and families are losing their loved ones.” Her words underscore the randomness of such tragedies and the profound impact they have on entire communities.
The fiery wreckage and overturned vehicle presented significant challenges for first responders, who worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and assess the situation. Unfortunately, due to the severity of the collision, all four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol, along with local fire and rescue teams, remained on-site for several hours, clearing debris, documenting evidence, and attempting to piece together what led to this fatal crash.
Remembering the Victims
The loss of four lives in a single incident is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life, especially during what is meant to be a joyous holiday season. Among those killed were Greta Lynn Ray and her husband, Ant Ray, a couple well-known and deeply loved in their community. Friends and family have taken to social media to express their grief and share memories of the Rays, describing them as kind, loving, and full of life. Greta, in particular, was remembered for her warm smile and generous spirit, while Ant was known for his unwavering support of friends and family.
Bre Anderson, known to many as “Lul Brandi,” was also among the victims. A vibrant and outgoing individual, Bre was described by those who knew her as someone who brought light and laughter to every room she entered. Her sudden death has left a void in the lives of her loved ones, many of whom have expressed their disbelief and sorrow at her untimely passing.
The identity of the fourth victim remains unknown at this time, though authorities are working diligently to contact their family and provide answers to those affected by this tragedy. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the families of the deceased and ensuring that their loved ones are honored and remembered.
Community Response and Reflections
The community of Lucama and the broader Wilson County area have come together in the wake of this tragedy, offering prayers, condolences, and support to the grieving families. Local churches and community organizations have announced plans for memorial services and fundraisers to assist with funeral expenses and provide emotional support for those affected. The loss of four lives in such a sudden and violent manner has touched everyone in the area, with many expressing a renewed awareness of the importance of road safety and the preciousness of time spent with loved ones.
Social media has been flooded with tributes to the victims, as friends, family, and even strangers share their thoughts and memories. “It’s hard to believe they’re gone,” wrote one friend in a Facebook post about Greta and Ant. “They were such a big part of this community, always giving back and spreading love. They’ll be missed more than words can say.” Another post honoring Bre Anderson described her as “a force of nature, someone who lived life to the fullest and brought joy to everyone around her.”
For Kristina McDougle, the witness who narrowly avoided being involved in the crash, the incident has been a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of gratitude. “I keep thinking about how easily it could’ve been me,” she said. “You just never know when something like this will happen. My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives. This is something no one should ever have to go through.”
Highway Safety and Broader Implications
This tragic accident has also sparked discussions about the safety of U.S. Highway 301 and similar rural roads across the state. The highway, which serves as a major thoroughfare for residents and travelers in Wilson County, is often described as hazardous due to its high speeds, limited lighting, and the mix of local and through traffic. While the exact circumstances of Thursday’s crash are still under investigation, officials and community members alike are calling for renewed attention to road safety measures, including improved signage, better lighting, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
In North Carolina, head-on collisions remain a significant cause of traffic fatalities, particularly on rural highways where passing zones and narrow lanes increase the likelihood of such incidents. According to data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, head-on collisions account for approximately 12% of all fatal crashes in the state, despite representing a much smaller percentage of total accidents. This disproportionate impact highlights the need for targeted interventions to prevent these types of crashes, which often result in severe or fatal injuries due to the high speeds and forces involved.
Safety advocates have long emphasized the importance of measures such as centerline rumble strips, which can help alert drivers who inadvertently drift into oncoming traffic, as well as public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding. In the wake of Thursday’s crash, local officials have expressed their commitment to exploring these and other options to improve safety on U.S. Highway 301 and similar roads.
Moving Forward
As the investigation into the Wilson County crash continues, the focus remains on supporting the families of the victims and honoring their memories. While no words or actions can undo the heartbreak of this tragedy, the hope is that it will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, both in terms of road safety and the way communities come together to support one another in times of need.
For now, the community of Lucama mourns the loss of four lives, each of whom was loved deeply and will be remembered always. In the words of one local resident, “This is a tragedy that has shaken all of us, but it’s also a reminder of how much we need each other. We have to hold our loved ones close and do everything we can to keep each other safe.” As the families of Greta Lynn Ray, Ant Ray, Bre Anderson, and the unidentified fourth victim navigate this unimaginable loss, they can take some solace in knowing that they are not alone. Their community stands with them, united in grief, love, and the determination to honor those who were lost.
