80-year-old NC man found dead after driving into coastal floodwater: NCSHP

SUPPLY, N.C. (WNCN) — An elderly North Carolina man was found dead inside his vehicle after he drove into floodwater off the state’s coast early Tuesday morning.

The deceased was identified as 80-year-old Richard Walton Robinson of Southport, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

According to the highway patrol, Robinson was traveling on NC 211 near Stone Chimney Road in a blue Subaru Crosstrek when he drove around stationary Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office vehicles and into high water. The sheriff’s office vehicles were stationary with their lights activated because the road became impassable due to flood waters at the Lockwood Folly River Bridge.

Robinson’s vehicle became fully submerged while he was still inside, according to the highway patrol. A swift water rescue team arrived on the scene, but were unable to locate the vehicle.

First responders returned to the river the following day and located the vehicle with Robinson’s body inside, according to the highway patrol.

Troopers say alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors.

The flooding was the result of a potential tropical storm that generated enough rainfall at the North Carolina coast to be labeled a 1,000-year event. In Brunswick County, Carolina Beach was hit with nearly 21 inches of rain, while Southport received 19 inches of rain.

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