55.4 F
Southern Pines
55.4 F
Southern Pines
Thursday, March 5, 2026

Families mourn drivers killed in head-on crash on Highway 15-501, GoFundMe campaigns launched

Published on

spot_img

Two families are grieving after a tragic head-on collision on Highway 15-501 Monday afternoon claimed the lives of 23-year-old Luke Blanchard and 65-year-old Paul Matthews.

The crash occurred just after 4 p.m. on March 24 when Blanchard, driving a Moore County Schools service truck northbound, swerved into the southbound lane, colliding head-on with Matthews’ Dodge Ram pickup.

Blanchard and Matthews were both pronounced dead at the scene. Their sudden loss has left their families and the Moore County community heartbroken.

GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to assist their families with funeral expenses and financial support during this difficult time.

“Luke was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, cousin, friend and many more,” friends say on the fundraising campaign. “Anything will help Michaela and sweet Jax start navigating this life without their loving husband and father Luke.”

Matthews’ loved ones say “Paul was a loving husband, devoted to his wife of 42 years. He was a proud father and family meant everything to Paul. He was the kind of man who showed his love through his actions—steadfast, protective, and deeply committed to those he cared for.” Family members told Moore County News that Paul enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time with his kids and grandkids. “As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we are also faced with the challenge of covering funeral expenses and caring for his young children left behind. We are reaching out to friends, family, and our community to ask for support—whether it’s a donation, a share, or simply a prayer,” the fundraising campaign says.

The community has already begun rallying around the families, with donations and messages of support pouring in. Those wishing to contribute can find the fundraising pages here:

Paul Matthews GoFundMe | Luke Blanchard GoFundMe

The North Carolina Highway Patrol says the crash remains under investigation.

Patrick Priest
Patrick Priest
A Moore County native who has spent more than 20 years telling stories across North Carolina and beyond. He’s worked with CNN, WRAL, and CBS 17, and now serves as a Video Journalist for ABC11. Patrick has a passion for breaking news and has earned multiple awards for his coverage. He’s also a certified NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter and was among the first news videographers in the state to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.

Latest articles

Man shot at Mar-a-Lago identified as missing Moore County resident

Federal authorities have released additional details in the investigation of a Moore County man...

Police investigate after flash bang goes off near Aberdeen voting location

Aberdeen Police are investigating after a civilian flash bang was thrown near an early...

Woodlake victims identified; friends and family share memories

As investigators continue working a double homicide case in the Woodlake community, friends and...

Suspect arrested in Ohio after double homicide investigation in Woodlake

The suspect wanted in connection with a Saturday morning double homicide in the Woodlake...

More like this

Summit Street repair finally moves forward after storm washout

Carthage officials say repairs to Summit Street are finally moving ahead after Tropical Storm...

Three teens avoid serious injury in Pinehurst crash

Three teenagers escaped serious injury Sunday afternoon after the car they were traveling in...

Duke Energy urges customers to conserve power during heatwave

As high temperatures continue to grip the area, Duke Energy is asking customers to...