UPDATE:
Attention All News Directors and Editors:
The State Highway Patrol has charged the tour bus driver, Eric Jimmerson, 23, of New York, N.Y. with the following charges:
- Misdemeanor Death by a Motor Vehicle
- Carless and Reckless Driving
On Sunday, August 2, at approximately 4:20 a.m., a Ford mustang, operated by Wilfredo Ortiz, 68, of Palm Bay, Florida, swerved off the road to the right in an attempt to avoid contact with the tour bus. The mustang then struck a tree and came to rest. As a result of the impact with the tree, the front right passenger, identified as Enid Ortiz, 54, Palm Bay, Florida, died on the scene. As of this release, Mr. Jimmerson is still hospitalized at Wake Medical Center.
RALEIGH – At approximately 11 p.m., Saturday, August 1, the State Highway Patrol responded to a single vehicle collision on Juniper Church Road located just outside the city limits of Four Oaks in Johnston County.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that a black 1995 GMC SUV was traveling above the posted speed limit when it traveled left of center then overcorrected, traveling back onto the right shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle then overturned resulting in all three occupants being ejected. None of the occupants were restrained. The collision resulted in the death of Paul Woodall, 30, of 4566 Hockaday Road, Four Oaks. Mr. Woodall was seated in the right front passenger seat. The driver and a back seat passenger were transported to Wake Medical Center and are listed in critical condition.
They have been identified as:
• (Driver) Andy Pilkington, 23, of 722 Sandy Road, Four Oaks
• (Back Seat Passenger) Timothy Toole Jr., 25, of 165 Adam Road, Four Oaks
Speed and alcohol were a factor in this collision. Investigators are continuing their collision investigation and will confer with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office as to possible charges .