Deputies said speed was a factor in a deadly Sampson County crash

Sampson County sheriff’s deputies said speed was believed to be a factor in a crash that left one person dead.

2026-01-15

Donald Matthews, 71, died in a crash just before noon along US-701 on Wednesday.

Deputies said he was attempting to pass a car in a passing zone but was unable to successfully because of oncoming traffic.

Matthews side swiped another driving before losing control of the car and crashing into a ditch.

Deputies said Matthews was ejected from the car during the crash. He was flown to WakeMed hospital where he later died.

It is unclear if Matthews was impaired while driving. Deputies said he also was not wearing a seat belt.