Kortney Atkins Obituary, Death; – A tragic incident occurred in Johnston County early yesterday morning when a wrong-way collision resulted in the death of a 24-year-old woman and left three others, including a child under the age of five, with serious injuries. According to WRAL, the accident took place at approximately 3:04 a.m. on U.S. Highway 70 near the Cornwallis Road underpass, where a white BMW traveling west in the eastbound lanes collided head-on with a white Jeep Cherokee.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has identified the deceased as 24-year-old Kortney Atkins from Goldsboro, as reported by myfox8.com. Sydney Skelding, the driver of the Jeep, along with two backseat passengers, Michael Atkins, 25, and a young boy under five, were transported to WakeMed with serious injuries. Following the collision, one of the vehicles ignited, complicating both rescue and investigative efforts.
Authorities have initiated a manhunt for the driver of the BMW, who fled the scene on foot. Despite an extensive search conducted by Johnston County deputies and a K-9 unit, the suspect remains at large. Witnesses on the highway during the incident expressed their shock, with one individual stating, “I’m praying for the family, man, everybody who was in the car, everyone who was involved,” as reported by WRAL. He further remarked, “I’m just blessed that we didn’t wreck our car into that.”
The NCSHP emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and is actively pursuing the fleeing driver, with charges anticipated upon capture. Individuals with any information related to this incident are encouraged to contact the NCSHP Johnston County division, as confirmed by WITN. Following the accident, U.S. Highway 70 was temporarily closed but was reopened around 5:30 a.m. as the investigation continued.
