Witnesses sought in fatal Cumberland County crash involving veteran
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The State Highway Patrol is looking for anyone who might have witnessed a wreck that killed a decorated Iraqi war veteran.
Sgt. Andrew Brenner was out of uniform barely two months when he was killed.
"He was very giving," said Brenner's wife, April. "He was a great husband and wonderful man."
Brenner said he was also a decorated war hero who loved his country.
"He was very dedicated to his job. He served four tours in Iraq," she said. "He's been around the world and back again."
Andrew Brenner also loved his Harley. He was riding it home Friday when he was hit at the intersection of N.C. Highway 87 south and Tom Starling Road, which is southeast of Fayetteville.
The Highway Patrol said Brenner pulled into the intersection and was hit by a SUV traveling south on NC 87. He later died.
Authorities said the driver and three passengers in the SUV were treated for minor injuries.
At this point, state troopers aren't sure who had the green light. They are asking for the public's help to determine who had the right-of-way.
"What we are trying to do is pinpoint if anybody was here at the time it happened and actually witnessed the impact," said Trooper Marus Bethea. "We are trying to confirm who did and who did not have the right-of-way."
Brenner said she and her children want to know as well.
"Please, look into your heart, and if you saw something come forward and help the family," Brenner said. "My children and I really need to know what happened."
She said her husband just retired on March 1 after 22 years serving his country. Now instead of planning his 47th birthday on Wednesday, she is preparing to tell him goodbye.
"He was the love of my life," Brenner said. "I was lucky to spend 19 years with him."
The family is planning a private memorial.
ABC11 has been unable to contact the SUV driver, who lives in Columbus County.
The Highway Patrol is asking anyone who witnessed the accident to contact Troop B Headquarters at (910) 486-1334.
