Local News
Michael Graham Killed After High-Speed Mercedes Crash Into Downtown Raleigh Building
RALEIGH, N.C. — A 36-year-old man was killed early Saturday morning after the Mercedes he was driving at a high rate of speed crashed into a parked vehicle before slamming into a downtown Raleigh building, according to the Raleigh Police Department.
Authorities identified the driver as Michael Graham, 36, who died at the scene of the single-vehicle crash.
According to Raleigh police, the crash occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. Saturday in the 300 block of West Martin Street in downtown Raleigh.
The preliminary investigation found that Graham was speeding while driving a Mercedes westbound on West Martin Street when he struck a parked vehicle near 300 W. Martin Street.
After the initial collision, the Mercedes continued off the roadway, drove onto the sidewalk, and crashed into a building located at 320 W. Martin Street, near the intersection with South Harrington Street.
The impact caused significant damage to the vehicle and the building.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash and found Graham with fatal injuries.
Police said Graham was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
No other injuries were reported, and officials said the parked vehicle was unoccupied when it was struck.
Following the crash, authorities closed West Martin Street between South Harrington Street and Dawson Street from approximately 3:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. while investigators processed the scene and crews cleared the wreckage.
The Raleigh Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Investigators are examining all factors that may have contributed to the collision, though speed has been identified as a primary factor.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Local News
Andrew Ryan Philhower, 25, Dies in Motorcycle Crash After Striking Deer in Powhatan County, Virginia
POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. — Andrew Ryan Philhower, 25, of Powhatan County, Virginia, tragically died Sunday night, October 25, 2026, following a motorcycle crash involving a deer on Red Lane Road, according to Virginia State Police.
The fatal accident occurred at approximately 10:03 p.m. on Red Lane Road, about three-quarters of a mile south of Three Bridge Road in Powhatan County. Authorities responded to the scene and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision.
According to investigators, Philhower was traveling southbound on a 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 650 motorcycle when the vehicle struck a deer that entered its path. The impact caused Philhower to be thrown from the motorcycle.
Despite the circumstances of the crash, Philhower sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 25 years old.
The incident highlights the potential dangers motorcyclists face when encountering wildlife on roadways, particularly at night when visibility may be limited and animals can suddenly enter the road.
Virginia State Police confirmed that alcohol was not a contributing factor in the crash. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision as part of their ongoing investigation.
No additional details about the incident have been released at this time.
The death of Andrew Ryan Philhower is a heartbreaking loss. At just 25 years old, his life ended unexpectedly in a tragic roadway accident.
Motorcycle collisions involving wildlife can happen in an instant, leaving little time for riders to react. This incident serves as a reminder for motorists and motorcyclists to remain alert, especially when traveling on rural roads at night where deer and other animals may cross unexpectedly.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Andrew Ryan Philhower’s family, friends, and loved ones as they mourn this devastating loss. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time.