Charges have been filed against a Brunswick County sheriff’s deputy after his response to a high-speed chase resulted in the death of a local woman, 45-year-old Cora Cartrette.
According to official reports, the crash occurred around 6 a.m. when Sgt. Nathan Kye, who was responding to assist another deputy in a police pursuit, collided with Cartrette’s vehicle. Cartrette was on her way to work at Chick-fil-A at the time of the crash and was just down the street from her job, according to WECT News.
Authorities state that Antoine Graham was allegedly fleeing law enforcement near Blackwell Road, prompting the response from Kye.
Kye was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 17 with his emergency lights and siren activated. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reports that Kye was initially traveling at 90 mph but had reduced his speed to 75 mph at the time of impact.
Investigators say that he failed to stop at a red light, striking Cartrette’s vehicle as she attempted to make a left turn onto Ploof Road. The impact forced Kye’s vehicle off the roadway, coming to rest on the shoulder, while Cartrette’s car struck a curb and a utility pole before stopping.
Cartrette was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an investigation, District Attorney Jon David announced on Monday, that both Sgt. Kye and Antoine Graham are facing criminal charges related to the crash.
- Sgt. Nathan Kye has been charged with:
- Misdemeanor death by vehicle
- Failure to stop at a red light
- Antoine Graham is facing multiple serious charges, including:
- Felony speed to elude arrest with aggravators causing death
- Felony identity theft
- Driving while impaired (DWI)
- Driving while license revoked
- Reckless driving to endanger
- Resisting a public officer
- Possession of marijuana (up to half an ounce)
- Failure to maintain lane control
Graham remains in custody with a $1 million bond.
The Leland community has been deeply impacted by the loss of Cora Cartrette, who was a well-known employee at Chick-fil-A Leland Town Center. In her memory, a tree was planted at the restaurant, with friends, colleagues, and community members gathering to honor her life and legacy.
Many describe Cartrette as a positive and uplifting presence, someone who always left a lasting impact on those around her.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the details surrounding the collision. While Sgt. Kye is currently on medical leave, the sheriff’s office has not commented on his employment status moving forward.
District Attorney Jon David expressed his condolences to the Cartrette family but emphasized that, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, no further statements can be made at this time.
