1 dead in serious, 3-vehicle crash in Manteo

MANTEO – One death was reported during an investigation of a three-vehicle collision Monday morning on Roanoke Island.

Robert Hill, Jr., 65, of Georgetown, South Carolina, died from what is assumed to have been a medical issue, according to North Carolina Highway Patrol 1st Sgt. S.D. Hurley.

“We have to wait for the medical examiner to determine cause of death,” Hurley said, but noted there were “no signs of recklessness” nor high speed involved in the accident.

Hill was driving a Ford Explorer south on U.S. 64 toward the Midway intersection–where U.S. 64 and N.C. 345 intersect–when for an unknown reason, he “crossed the center turn lane into the northbound lane, striking a Mazda CX-5,” Hurley said.

After a “hard sideswipe” of the Mazda, the Ford then struck a GMC Sierra that was behind the Mazda, Hurley said. “That impact was very slight, but they did make contact.”

The collision took place just before 9 a.m. in the westbound (north) lane of U.S. 64 between Dunkin’ Donuts and Silver Bonsai Gallery, just outside of Manteo on Roanoke Island, Hurley said.

All three vehicles were towed–two of which “suffered significant damage”–and the area was cleared around 11:30 a.m., Hurley said.

The two people in the Mazda were transported to the hospital as a precaution, and the driver of the GMC refused treatment, he said. No serious injuries were reported.