Kortney Summer Atkins obituary, death, 24, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Tragically Passes Away in Hit-and-Run Crash Involving Wrong-Way Driver on U.S. 70 Bypass, Leaving Behind a Devastated Family and a Community in Mourning, While Authorities Launch Urgent Manhunt for Fugitive Driver
_Tragedy Strikes on Sunday Morning_
On Sunday morning, December 15, 2024, tragedy struck on U.S. 70 Bypass near Clayton, North Carolina, when 24-year-old Kortney Summer Atkins was killed, and three others, including her young son, were seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash involving a wrong-way driver.
_Crash and Investigation_
The crash occurred just after 3 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 70 Bypass, near mile marker 319, close to Cornwallis Road, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The accident involved a wrong-way driver who was traveling west in the eastbound lanes in a white BMW. Following the collision, the BMW caught fire. The driver, a man, fled the scene on foot, evading a manhunt that involved K-9 units and troopers.
_Victims and Injuries_
The victims were in a white Jeep Cherokee heading eastbound in the correct lanes of traffic. The Jeep carried four occupants from Goldsboro, including a young child. Kortney Summer Atkins, 24, was a passenger in the Jeep. She tragically died on the way to WakeMed from the serious injuries she sustained in the crash. The driver, along with a 4-year-old boy and his father, all suffered serious injuries and were rushed to WakeMed for treatment.
_Community Reaction and Tributes_
The family’s loss has deeply affected the community, as they process the death of Atkins and the serious injuries sustained by the surviving family members. Tributes have poured in from across the region, praising Atkins’ kindness, generosity, and dedication to her family.
_Prevention and Road Safety_
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers of wrong-way driving, a serious issue that continues to lead to deadly accidents. The fact that the driver fled the scene only adds to the severity of the incident, as it has left the victims and their families searching for answers while grappling with the emotional toll of the crash.
_Search for the Suspect and Ongoing Investigation_
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search for the suspect, with K-9 units involved in the effort to locate the driver who had fled on foot. The search has continued as authorities work to gather more information about the individual responsible for the crash. Troopers have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Those who may have witnessed the crash or have knowledge of the suspect’s whereabouts are asked to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol’s Johnston County division at (919) 934-2186 or (919) 733-3861.
_Conclusion_
Kortney Summer Atkins may be gone, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her legacy as a devoted mother, a kind friend, and a valued member of the Goldsboro community will continue to inspire those who knew her. The surviving family members, including the father of the injured child, are also facing a long road to recovery as they deal with the physical and emotional trauma caused by the crash. Community support has been pouring in as the family navigates this heartbreaking loss, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to help them with their ongoing investigation.
