On the anniversary of a Memorial Day collision that resulted in the deaths of three residents, the Garner community held a vigil to honor and remember the victims. The Campbells, a family involved in the collision last Memorial Day, were the focus of the observance as the town marked the event.
During the vigil, attendees were present to pay their respects. "We take it day by day, sometimes minute by minute," Jean Harris, sister of victim Susan Campbell, told CBS 17. Susan Campbell, her husband Tyler, and their son Miles were struck by an impaired driver at the intersection of US 70 and New Rand Road a year prior. It's at this location where their memorial now stands. As the community gathered, Harris spoke about her loss, saying, "There’s no words to describe how much they’re missed."
The driver responsible for the accident, Jordan Porter, was reported by Garner police to have been traveling 82 mph in a 45 mph zone when he collided with the Campbells' vehicle. Porter has since pleaded guilty to reckless driving, speeding, and failing to stop at a red light, and also faces three charges for second-degree murder, according to WRAL. His trial for these charges remains pending.
Kathy Campbell, mother and grandmother to the victims, chose to spend this challenging anniversary with close family members. "Being able to be with my family has made it a little easier to get through the day," she shared with WRAL.
Meanwhile, Jean Harris is set on not only seeking justice for her family but also to possibly prevent such immeasurable pain from befalling others. "They were nothing but beacons of light on this earth and taken so soon. I'm still so mad," Harris told ABC11.
The community continues to acknowledge the Campbell family, with the recent vigil drawing attendees to honor the memory of those lost. Authorities and residents remain engaged as efforts continue to address the impact of the incident.
