Raleigh police say a man reported missing from Cary was found dead Monday after his car left the I‑40 west ramp to Wade Avenue, went into the woods and overturned. Officers arrived just before 4:30 p.m. and discovered an overturned vehicle down an embankment. Investigators said the impact caused severe intrusion into the driver's cabin, and the driver was believed to have died on impact. The man was identified by police as 48‑year‑old Linwood Phillips, who family members say had been reported missing after they lost contact with him on April 2. The crash remains under investigation.
What Police Say About The Crash
Evidence at the scene indicated the vehicle was traveling at least 70 miles per hour when it left the roadway and "went airborne," and that the force of the collision "caused severe intrusion into the driver's cabin," according to ABC11. Officers found the car off the I‑40 west ramp to inbound Wade Avenue and down an embankment in the woods. First responders pronounced the driver dead at the scene and noted he was still wearing his seat belt. Authorities said they have not released a determination about the cause and that the investigation is ongoing.
Family: He Was Reported Missing Days Earlier
Family members told reporters they lost contact with Phillips on April 2 and reported him missing in Cary, per CBS17. A relative, James Sherodd, said Phillips "came by their home about Tuesday of last week" before the family could not reach him, CBS17 reported. The outlet also noted Phillips worked as a driver for Uber and Lyft. Both companies told reporters he was not logged into their apps or driving for them at the time of the crash.
Investigation Continues
Raleigh police said the crash investigation remains active and that more information will be released as it becomes available. Family, colleagues and neighbors have been left seeking answers as investigators piece together what happened on the ramp. This article will be updated if officials release additional details or public records.
