Authorities in Johnston County, North Carolina, are searching for the driver of a BMW involved in a devastating wrong-way crash that claimed the life of 24-year-old Kortney Atkins of Goldsboro.
Details of the Tragic Crash
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 3 a.m. on U.S. Highway 70 near the Cornwallis Road underpass. A white BMW was reportedly driving the wrong way, heading eastbound in the westbound lanes, when it collided head-on with a white Jeep Cherokee. The impact was so catastrophic, that one of the vehicles caught fire.
The driver of the BMW fled. Inside the Jeep Cherokee were Kortney Atkins, her husband Michael Atkins, and their young child, who is under five years old.
Kortney Atkins died on the way to the hospital. Her husband, Michael, and their child were rushed to the hospital with injuries. Michael suffered broken ribs and a broken sternum, while the child sustained minor bruises, according to Michael’s mother in a interview with ABC 11.
Both are expected to recover physically.
Kortney’s mother-in-law shared that Michael and Kortney were high school sweethearts from Powell, Tennessee. Their journey brought them to Goldsboro through Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, where Michael was stationed. The couple’s deep bond and shared life in Goldsboro make the tragedy even more hearbreaking for those who knew them.
Calls for Justice
As the search for the BMW driver continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and contact the N.C. State Highway Patrol Johnston County Division at 919-934-2186 or 919-733-3861.
