A motorcyclist fleeing Columbus County deputies died Monday evening after crashing into another vehicle on N.C. 87 at Kennedy Store Road, just across the Bladen–Columbus county line. First responders shut down the highway while troopers and local EMS worked the scene.
Columbus County News reported that the rider hit another vehicle at the intersection and that one person in that vehicle was taken to New Hanover Regional with injuries described as non life threatening. The outlet also noted it had reached out to law enforcement for more details.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol told WWAY that troopers believe the motorcyclist was actively trying to get away from Columbus County deputies when the bike rear ended a Toyota. Investigators have not released the rider’s identity. According to WWAY, the wreck shut down N.C. 87 while crews cleared the scene and started their investigation.
Road Closed For Hours As Crews Worked The Scene
N.C. 87 was blocked in both directions for several hours after the crash, backing up traffic around the area, as Columbus County News reported. Deputies, Bladen County fire and rescue teams, and state troopers stayed on scene while investigators documented debris and the roadway.
Context: Ongoing Motorcycle Safety Concerns
Motorcycle wrecks remain a persistent danger on North Carolina’s rural highways. State safety data shows that Columbus and Bladen counties have logged motorcycle related deaths in recent years. As outlined in North Carolina's highway safety plan, smaller counties can end up with relatively high motorcycle fatality rates, something officials point to when pushing for targeted outreach.
Investigation Still Active
Troopers with the State Highway Patrol are leading the crash investigation and have not released more information about the rider or any possible charges. WWAY reported that the investigation remains active and authorities continued working the scene. Officials have not yet publicly identified the motorcyclist.
