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On December 21, 2024, at approximately 1: 50 P.M. the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to a fatal collision in Beaufort County on US 264 near Goose Creek Road (SR 1332) involving two vehicles.

John Thomas Wiggins (70 yrs. old) of Goldsboro was driving a 2023 GMC Yukon when traveling west on US 264 and a 2010 Chrysler van was traveling east on US 264.

Wiggins crossed the centerline and traveled off the road to the left, came back onto the road and struck the Chrysler van head on in the east bound lane. Lucy Clark Gurganus, 67, and Ethan Tyler Crawford, 18, both of Washington were in the van.

 After impact, Wiggins overturned and Gurganus crossed the centerline. Gurganus was pronounced dead at the scene, but Crawford was airlifted to ECU Health Main Campus in Greenville with serious injuries.

John Thomas Wiggins was charged with Misdemeanor Death by Motor Vehicle, Left of Center, Careless and Reckless driving.