Speed was factor in wreck claiming life of South Stanly senior

Published 1:31 pm Friday, November 13, 2020

Speed was a factor in the car crash Thursday morning which claimed the life of South Stanly High School senior Cameron Needham.

According to First Sgt. Matt Jackson from Troop E District 2 of the state’s Highway Patrol, Needham, 18, hydroplaned after passing one or more cars after turning onto N.C. Highway 73 just across the county line in Montgomery County. Needham’s car collided with a sand hauler carrying approximately 70,000 pounds of sand. The incident happened approximately 100 yards from the Lake Tillery Volunteer Fire Department building.

Jackson said the incident was catastrophic, but rescue workers were able to initially find a pulse before he passed on shortly after being taken out of the car.

Members of the Highway Patrol, along with the motor carrier patrolmen who investigate incidents which include commercial vehicles, responded to the call.

Jackson said the Highway Patrol “is focusing on egregious speeds,” adding “the younger generation needs to pay specific attention to the way they drive. We don’t want this to happen ever again. It’s going to happen again, but if we can save a life by telling folks to slow down and be careful, that’s our main prerogative.”

About Charles Curcio

Charles Curcio has served as the sports editor of the Stanly News & Press for more than 16 years and has written numerous news and feature storeis as well. He was awarded the NCHSAA Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year and named CNHI Sports Editor of the Year in 2014. He has also won an award from Boone Newspapers, and has won four North Carolina Press Association awards.

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