Kinston man killed on U.S. 70
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on May 17, 2004 2:01 PM
A driver from Kinston was killed Sunday night in a one-car wreck on U.S. 70 East near Walnut Creek.
The victim was identified by the Highway Patrol as James Alton Brinson, 37. The fatality occurred a tenth of a mile west of Beston Road.
Brinson was going east at about 7:55 p.m. Trooper Robert Thaxton said Brinson's car ran off the left side into the median, hit the embankment, overturned several times, crossing the westbound lanes, and overturned several more times before stopping on its top off the road.
Thaxton measured tire impressions of 373 feet and measured the car's distance after first impact at 179 feet. Based on the evidence and witness statements, the trooper estimated the driver's speed at 80 mph. The speed limit on the four-lane, divided highway is 55 mph.
A Wayne County ambulance arrived and rescue personnel pronounced Brinson dead at the scene.
His 2003 Chevrolet, valued at $11,000, was demolished.
Brinson's death was the 12th this year on Wayne County roads, including two in Goldsboro.