Man is killed in ATV accident
By Ethan Smith
Published in News on July 12, 2016 1:46 PM
PIKEVILLE -- One man is dead and another is injured after an ATV accident that happened just after midnight Monday.
First Sgt. Jerry Burton with the North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that 47-year-old William Chadbourne Kearney died in the wreck and 29-year-old Delbert Bohlander was injured.
"Both vehicles were racing, traveling north on Old Kenly Road," Burton said.
"The deceased crossed the center line and struck Mr. Bohlander -- sideswiped him. Both vehicles ran off the road to the left and overturned."
The ATVs were going approximately 50 mph, said Burton.
Nahunta Fire Department Chief Eddie Newcomb said the accident happened in the 1000 or 1100 block of Old Kenly Road, and that he saw the men and their ATVs in the field off the side of the road when he arrived.
"I saw two ATVs across the ditch in the edge of the field," Newcomb said.
"One subject was walking around and one subject was not walking around, lying in the ditch."
Burton said alcohol was a factor in the wreck that killed Kearney and that charges are expected to be filed against Bohlander.
"Charges are pending," Burton said. "We're going to talk with the district attorney and see if they are going to prosecute for prearranged racing."