PINE LEVEL, N.C. — The Pine Level community and Johnston County mourn the loss of 26-year-old Lucas Charles Warner, who tragically died Thursday morning in a three-vehicle crash on US 70. The incident occurred at approximately 8:14 a.m. near Exit 337, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Preliminary reports indicate that a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) truck had stopped in the westbound lanes of US 70 with emergency equipment activated while workers removed a deer carcass from the roadway. Traffic behind the NCDOT vehicle was slowing when a beige 2013 Nissan Versa, driven by Warner, was struck from behind by a blue 2026 Toyota RAV4. The impact pushed Warner’s Nissan into the rear of the NCDOT truck, resulting in fatal injuries. Warner was pronounced dead at the scene.
The drivers of the Toyota RAV4 and the NCDOT truck sustained minor injuries and were transported to UNC Health Johnston for treatment.
Following consultation with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office, the driver of the Toyota RAV4 was charged with failure to reduce speed and misdemeanor death by vehicle. Authorities have not released the name of the charged driver.
Westbound US 70 was temporarily closed for several hours as troopers conducted a thorough investigation and crews cleared the scene. The roadway has since reopened.
This tragic crash serves as a reminder of the dangers that can occur on roadways, even during routine traffic slowdowns. Family, friends, and community members remember Warner as a young man whose life was full of promise, now cut far too short.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision to ensure all contributing factors are thoroughly examined. As the community grieves, thoughts and condolences are extended to Warner’s family, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating accident.
