Local News
Victims Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on Interstate 40 in Sampson County Identified
A devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 in Sampson County left three people dead and another seriously injured early Saturday morning, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 2:41 a.m. on May 9, 2026, near the 344-mile marker in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Newton Grove.
Trooper Tew responded to reports of a head-on crash involving two vehicles.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that a red Chevrolet Camaro was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 when it collided head-on with a black Honda Accord.
Authorities identified the driver of the Camaro as Jonathan Toxtle Zacarias, 21, of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Investigators said he was pronounced dead at the scene along with his passenger, Gabriel Toxtle Zacarias, 20, also of Fayetteville.
The driver of the Honda Accord suffered serious injuries in the violent crash and was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for emergency treatment.
Officials also confirmed that the front-seat passenger in the Honda, Beancy Rivas Flores, a 14-year-old girl, died at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision.
The crash prompted a lengthy closure of Interstate 40 eastbound as emergency crews, investigators, and cleanup personnel worked at the scene.
Traffic in the area was diverted for several hours before the roadway was eventually reopened to motorists.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the deadly wrong-way crash.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding what caused the Camaro to enter the interstate traveling in the wrong direction.
Local News
Donald Robert Morris-Jones Charged in Fatal Wake County Cycling Crash That Killed One and Injured Seven; Bond Set at $1 Million
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. โ A devastating collision involving a group of cyclists in Wake County, North Carolina, left one person dead and seven others injured. A 76-year-old Apex man, identified as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges in connection with the crash.
According to the information provided in court records, Morris-Jones was arrested on November 7, 2026, following an investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Authorities allege that he struck multiple cyclists and failed to remain at the scene after the collision.
The incident has deeply affected the cycling community, with one family mourning the loss of a loved one and seven other victims facing injuries and recovery.
Morris-Jones faces a series of charges across two related cases. The charges listed in the supplied court information include:
- One count of felony death by vehicle.
- Seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle.
- Eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death.
- Driving while impaired.
- Reckless driving with wanton disregard.
- Driving left of center.
The eight hit-and-run counts allege that Morris-Jones failed to stop following the collision, which resulted in one death and injuries to seven other people.
These are allegations contained in the criminal charges. Morris-Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
One charging document alleges that Morris-Jones was driving on State Road 1390 while under the influence of an impairing substance, resulting in serious injuries to another person.
The document describes injuries that reportedly included damage to the person’s leg and ribs, as well as a laceration to the left arm.
A driving-while-impaired record indicates that a blood test was ordered. However, the results had not been released in the information provided, and no conclusion about the test results can be drawn at this stage.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A judicial official set secured bonds totaling $1 million across the two cases.
The bond amounts were listed as:
- $750,000 in one case.
- $250,000 in the related case.
According to the supplied court documents, the judicial official cited the combined offenses and described an โoverwhelming danger to society.โ The official also noted that Morris-Jones appeared to have no significant criminal history while expressing concern that he had allegedly attempted to flee to avoid prosecution.
The bond decision reflects the court’s assessment at this stage of the proceedings and does not establish guilt.
Morris-Jones is scheduled to appear in Wake County District Court on November 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing is listed for Courtroom 304.
Further proceedings are expected to address the charges as the case moves through the judicial process. Additional information about the crash, the victims, and the investigation may be released as it becomes available.
Beyond the criminal charges and court proceedings, the crash has left families and an entire cycling community facing a painful loss.
One person will not return home, while seven others have reportedly suffered serious injuries. Their loved ones must now navigate the uncertainty, emotional strain, and challenges that follow a sudden and traumatic event.
For the cyclists involved, what began as a morning ride ended in tragedy. Friends, relatives, and fellow riders are left remembering the person who died while hoping for recovery and healing for those who survived.
Our thoughts are with the family of the person who lost their life, the seven injured cyclists, and everyone affected by this devastating collision.
May the person who died be remembered with love and dignity, and may the injured victims find strength and healing in the days ahead.