Woman killed after SUV struck tree stump in Wake County

Wednesday, February 15, 2017
WILLOW SPRING, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Authorities are investigating a fatal crash after the driver of an SUV struck a tree stump Tuesday afternoon.
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Troopers with the North Carolina Highway Patrol were called about the crash just before 3:30 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Road and S. Creek Road, close to the Johnston County line.

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When they arrived, they found a 2004 Buick SUV overturned.

Authorities said the driver of the SUV, 39-year-old James Samuel Day Jr., was driving recklessly down a logging path when he hit the tree stump, causing his vehicle to flip over.

A passenger in the vehicle, 39-year-old Patricia Lawson Humphries, was partially ejected in the crash. She died at the scene from her injures.
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Day was taken to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries.



Investigators have said they believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the collision. Charges have not been filed at this time.





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