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A Belhaven father was charged with two felonies in connection to a motor vehicle accident that claimed the life of his seven-year-old son over the weekend.

On Saturday, Aug. 24, at approximately 12 p.m., State Troopers responded to a singular vehicle fatal collision on NC 903 North near Brown Road in Pitt County. A 2005 Toyota 4Runner, operated by Edward Warren Pope, 38, was traveling south on NC 903 with his two sons, ten-year-old Kenneth and seven-year-old Lake.

According to State Troopers, the 4Runner traveled off the road to the right, down a ditch embankment, collided with a tree and overturned on its top in a ditch. Lake was pronounced deceased at the scene. Kenneth was transported to ECU Health in Greenville with serious injuries. Edward was also transported to ECU Health in Greenville.

Deputies with Pitt County Sheriff’s Office charged Edward with Driving While Intoxicated, Felony Death by Vehicle and Felony Inflicting Serious Injury. He was placed on a $75,000 secured bond. He has bonded out and is out of custody, according to Pitt County Sheriff’s Office.