A deadly two-vehicle crash on Highway 15-501 near Donathan Lane claimed the lives of two local men Monday afternoon, shutting down the highway for nearly four hours.
The collision occurred just after 4 p.m. and involved a Moore County Schools service truck and a Dodge Ram pickup truck. According to authorities, the service truck was traveling northbound, while the Dodge was heading southbound.
Investigators determined that the crash was caused when the service truck swerved into the southbound lanes, directly into the path of the oncoming Dodge. Witnesses reported seeing the service truck swerving before the collision. Troopers say neither driver were using their cell phones at the time of the crash, and it’s possible a medical episode could have been a factor.
Both drivers, who were local residents, were pronounced dead at the scene.
A GoFundMe page has identified the driver of the service truck as 23-year-old Luke Blanchard. According to the fundraiser, Luke is survived by his wife, Michaela, a 911 dispatcher, and their young son, Jax. Organizers are seeking donations to help support Michaela and Jax during this challenging time. “Whether it’s a prayer, a share, or a small donation, anything will help Michaela and sweet Jax as they begin navigating life without their beloved husband and father, Luke.”
The driver of the Dodge Ram has been identified as 65-year-old Paul Matthews of Cameron. According to family members, Paul leaves behind his wife, Regina, three children, and 16 grandchildren. He was deeply devoted to his family, worked for the NCDOT, and had a passion for riding his motorcycle and fishing. A GoFundMe has been started to help the Matthews family through this difficult time.
Emergency responders, including the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and local fire and EMS crews, worked to investigate and clear the scene. The highway was fully reopened to traffic around 8 p.m.
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.
