Trooper killed in head-on collision on Durham Freeway

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper was killed in a crash on the Durham Freeway on Sunday morning.

Around 2:45 a.m., troopers responded to the scene on NC 147 near Anderson Street in Durham. Master Trooper Steve J. Perry, 30, was driving a State Highway Patrol Dodge Charger northbound when he was struck head-on by a 2015 Nissan Altima traveling the wrong way. The Altima was driven by Melshawn Moore, 39, of Kinston.

Trooper Steve J. Perry was a member of the 148th Basic Patrol School.

Both men died in the crash, and no other passengers were in either vehicle. The Highway Patrol said impairment on the part of Moore is suspected as a factor in the crash.

A section of the freeway near Swift Avenue was shut down in both directions for several hours following the incident.

Perry was a member of the 148th Basic Patrol School and served Durham County throughout his nearly seven-year career.

"During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow troopers who had the privilege of serving alongside him. We ask that you keep the entirety of his family and our Patrol Family in your thoughts," Col. Freddy Johnson said.

The Highway Patrol's Collision Reconstruction Unit is now leading the investigation.

Friends, family remember 'humble giant'

ABC11 spoke with friends of Perry, who was a star offensive lineman for the Riverside High School Pirates, ultimately playing collegiately down the road at North Carolina Central University before entering law enforcement.

David Hackney is the director of athletics for Durham Public Schools but coached Perry at Riverside.

"He would give the shirt off his back to his teammates. He defied the odds through determination and discipline," said Hackney.

His brothers in Omega Psi Phi gathered to mourn Perry.

"Perry was just always a humble giant. He always knew the right things to say, how to make you feel good about yourself. He understood that everything wouldn't be sunshine and joy, where he knew how to get you through those tough moments," said fraternity brother Gary Wood.

Durham Public Schools also released a statement to ABC11.

"The Durham Public Schools and Riverside High School families are grieved by the passing of Trooper Steven J. Perry, a 2014 Riverside High School graduate. Our hearts are with his family and friends during this difficult time, and we are profoundly sorry for the loss of such a tremendous person who contributed so much to so many."

His younger brother Eli shared how much he welcomed being surrounded by those closest to him.

"Good family man. He always loved to be around his family. Like that was the joy of his day, was being around his family," he said.

Perry was the second state trooper to die in a wreck in the past week. Master Trooper Stien Davis Jr. died Feb. 22 in a single-car crash in Robeson County.
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