Derick Godwin Obituary, Death – Authorities in Wake County are continuing to investigate a tragic incident that occurred early Thursday morning along U.S. Highway 64 near Zebulon. The event resulted in the passing of a Johnston County man and marked the second time in just a few days that someone lost their life in a separate highway-related shooting in the region.
According to officials, the situation unfolded shortly after sunrise on Thursday. The North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office reported that the westbound lanes of U.S. 64 near Lizard Lick Road were closed beginning around 7:30 a.m. Deputies responded to the area after receiving reports of a serious disturbance involving a vehicle.
When law enforcement arrived, they located a Jeep SUV stopped on the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle had its front windshield covered by a tarp while investigators worked carefully to secure the scene. Traffic along the busy route was redirected throughout the morning as authorities gathered evidence and ensured the area was safe.
The sheriff’s office later confirmed that the person injured in the incident was 55-year-old Derick Godwin of Johnston County. Godwin had been riding in the SUV when he was seriously hurt. First responders transported him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel and hospital staff, Godwin’s injuries were too severe, and he later died. Officials issued a public update Sunday morning expressing condolences to his family and confirming that the investigation remains active.
This heartbreaking loss occurred just two days before another deadly event along a different Wake County roadway. On Saturday morning, deputies responded to Knightdale Boulevard at Old Milburnie Road after receiving reports of both a vehicle crash and a shooting. In that incident, a 39-year-old Wake County resident was taken to the hospital but passed away hours later. Deputies have been working to gather information and connect the details of both cases.
In updates released following the two incidents, the sheriff’s office stated that investigators have identified the individuals believed to be responsible in both cases. However, in the Thursday morning incident involving Godwin, no arrests had been made as of Sunday. Authorities emphasized that they are continuing to conduct interviews, review evidence, and ensure that all investigative steps are handled thoroughly before proceeding further.
The closure of U.S. 64 lasted several hours while law enforcement completed their initial assessment of the scene. The roadway did not fully reopen until approximately 11:30 a.m., once deputies had collected the necessary information and ensured the highway was safe for drivers.
Community members in Wake and Johnston counties have expressed concern following the two separate incidents so close together. Local officials are urging anyone with knowledge about either case to come forward. Even small pieces of information can be important for investigators working to understand what happened and to bring clarity to grieving families.
Sheriff’s office leaders also stressed that these types of incidents are taken extremely seriously and that public safety remains their highest priority. Deputies and investigators will continue working in the coming days to complete their reviews and release additional details as appropriate.
For now, loved ones of Derick Godwin and the individual involved in Saturday’s incident are being supported as they face sudden and painful losses. Authorities are asking the public to keep the families in their thoughts and to report any information that may aid the investigations.
