North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troopers identified the man as 48-year-old Robert Lynn Herndon.
Troopers say the accident happened around 4 a.m. They believe he crossed the center line causing him to run off the road and hit a bridge rail, landing in a creek.
Troopers say Herndon was not wearing a seatbelt. It is not known if speed, weather or alcohol played a role in the accident.
The accident happened three miles from Wayne County, in the town of Eureka.
