Man charged in fatal Durham crash
DURHAM (WTVD) -- One person was killed in a four-vehicle accident at Morreene Road and Erwin Road in Durham around 3 p.m. Monday.
Police said the accident happened when 18-year-old Jacob Samuels, of Chapel Hill, was driving a car south on Erwin Road and ran a red light. His car then struck a Duke passenger van driven by 52-year-old Vincent Davis, of Durham.
The impact of the crash caused the van to flip onto its side.
Davis was pronounced dead at the scene. Samuels and Jeanette Ellis, a passenger in Davis' vehicle, were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.
Samuels has been charged with running a red light and death by vehicle.
Two vehicles stopped for the red light were also damaged in the accident.
The intersection was closed for more than three hours.
Davis, who worked as a driver for Duke Parking and Transportation, also served as a coach for the Soaring Eagles youth football team.
Photo Courtesy: SugarPaws Photo Design - Teresa Richardson
"Those who knew Vincent [Davis] closely described him as a caring individual," said Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President of Administration at Duke University. "This is a tragic loss to our family."
Concern for grieving Duke transit drivers prompted university leaders to hold a special meeting Tuesday for Davis' co-workers, one of whom is his brother.
"When something like this happens it's taken very seriously. We try to do all we can to support not only the family but also co-workers and the larger Duke community," Cavanaugh added.
