Early Friday morning on the US-70 Bypass, signed as I-42, a pickup rolled multiple times near the Wake and Johnston County line, killing a Raleigh passenger and sending the driver to the hospital before he was taken into custody, according to troopers.
How Troopers Say The Wreck Unfolded
According to WRAL, the crash happened around 2:23 a.m. when a 2008 Ford Ranger heading west on the US-70 Bypass ran off the right shoulder near the Wake/Johnston County line. Troopers said the driver then overcorrected, sending the truck across the left lanes where it rolled several times before coming to rest upright in the travel lanes.
Investigators said speed and alcohol made a bad situation worse and that neither man inside the truck was wearing a seat belt when they were thrown from the vehicle.
Victim, Driver And Charges
As reported by ABC11, the passenger was identified as 40-year-old Jose Alberto Francisco-Perez of Raleigh. He was taken to WakeMed Raleigh, where he later died from his injuries.
The driver was identified as 30-year-old Luis Angel Chaidez Gonzalez, also of Raleigh. Both men were found lying in the roadway when emergency crews arrived, according to ABC11. Gonzalez was treated, then arrested on multiple charges, including felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, no operator's license, careless and reckless driving, an open container violation and failure to wear a seat belt.
Speed, Alcohol And Seat Belts
WRAL reports that troopers cited both speed and alcohol impairment as contributing factors in the crash and confirmed that neither occupant had a seat belt on, a detail investigators said likely increased the severity of the wreck.
The Highway Patrol's Johnston County division has asked anyone with information about the incident to contact Sgt. Nathan White at 919-934-2186 or 919-733-3861.
Investigation Ongoing
According to ABC11, the State Highway Patrol's investigation remains open as troopers continue interviewing witnesses and processing evidence from the scene. Prosecutors are expected to review the case as it moves forward, and investigators are urging anyone who saw the crash or its aftermath to come forward.
