Witness describes Durham horrific crash scene that left 2 brothers dead

DURHAM

The crash happened Friday morning on N.C. Highway 98 in Durham County between Coley and Southview Roads.

Now, an eyewitness to the crash told ABC11 that he saw the driver charged driving recklessly just minutes before the crash, and even tried to think of ways to stop him.

"I've seen a lot of accidents, but that one, it's kind of scary just to talk about it," said Jean Paire, who was one of several witnesses to the horrific crash.

Jorge Avalar and his brother Andreas, who were both in their 40s, died inside of their SUV on the side of the road.

"The way that SUV just left the road backwards, no skid marks, nothing," said Paire.

Authorities said the driver of that pick up, 20-year old Robert Breeden III, was driving on the wrong side of the road when he hit the SUV head on.

"It happened so fast," said Paire. "It was like, what was wrong with this guy."

Paire said he was behind Breeden for a while.

"He drove on the wrong side for a long time," said Paire.

Not knowing what to do, he even contemplated getting in front of Breeden's one ton truck and braking.

"In my mind, I said 'Do it. Just get in front of him and stop him,'" said Paire.

However, he didn't think his small car would be enough. Then he saw the headlights and it was too late.

"I looked and saw a car coming, because the woods are thin," said Paire. "I was like, 'Oh my God.'"

After the crash, Paire called 911. Right away, he could see one person dead in the SUV, and the driver of the truck panicking.

"He was freaking out. He was really freaking out wanting to call his mom," said Paire. "That's the first thing he said, 'I need to call my mom and dad.'"

Instead, authorities arrested Breeden, and charged him with DWI and two counts of felony death by a motor vehicle.

After witnessing the crash, Paire, who is also a truck driver, said he had a hard time getting behind the wheel that day. He also says he can't drive that stretch of Highway 98 without thinking about the two lives lost that dark morning.

The family of the victims is planning a service Thursday evening before taking the brothers to El Salvador to be buried.

Breeden, meanwhile, is out on bond and will face a judge for felony death charges in February. Before that, his new year is full of court dates for past charges which include: failing to maintain lane control, reckless driving, drug possession, and a hit and run with just property damage.

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