Diane Ashley Watson Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities in Wake County are investigating a tragic single-vehicle crash that occurred early Tuesday morning, leaving one woman dead and a passenger injured. The incident happened along a stretch of US-64 West during the early hours, when road conditions were affected by cold weather.
State responders were called to the scene shortly before daybreak after receiving reports of a serious crash. When troopers arrived, they found that a pickup truck had veered off the roadway and struck a tree. The driver, a woman in her early fifties from the Middlesex area, did not survive. Officials confirmed that she was pronounced dead at the location.
According to preliminary information from investigators, the truck had been traveling across a bridge where patches of ice had formed. Authorities believe the driver may have lost control while crossing that icy portion, causing the vehicle to slide and leave the roadway. Weather-related conditions appear to have played a significant role, and officials noted that the truck was traveling at a speed that may not have been safe for the roadway conditions at that time.
A teenage passenger riding in the front seat survived the crash. Emergency personnel transported her to a hospital in Raleigh for evaluation and treatment. Officials reported that her injuries were not life-threatening, and she is expected to recover.
The scene remained active for several hours as investigators worked to understand exactly what led to the crash. Troopers assessed tire marks, roadway conditions, and damage to the vehicle to determine how the pickup left the pavement. They also reviewed the state of the bridge, which had frozen overnight due to cold temperatures. Such areas are known to glaze over more quickly than other parts of the road because bridges cool faster, creating unexpectedly slick surfaces for drivers.
Officials say the truck’s speed on the icy bridge is being evaluated as a potential contributing factor. While the investigation continues, early findings suggest this was an unfortunate result of hazardous conditions combined with reduced control on the slippery roadway.
Authorities emphasized that no charges will be filed, as the crash resulted solely from the circumstances and not from criminal behavior. They also noted that incidents involving icy surfaces are not uncommon during periods of low temperatures, especially during early morning hours before sunlight reaches elevated roadway structures.
Local residents expressed concern about the recurring issue of icy bridges during winter weather. Many have noted that such conditions can catch drivers off guard, even those familiar with the route. Transportation officials regularly encourage motorists to be cautious when temperatures drop and to assume that bridges may freeze even when the rest of the roadway appears clear.
In the aftermath of the crash, officials used the opportunity to remind drivers about winter safety precautions. They advised slowing down when approaching bridges, overpasses, or shaded areas, as these spots are typically the first to develop ice. Maintaining additional distance between vehicles and being prepared for sudden changes in traction can help reduce the risk of similar incidents.
The investigation remains open as troopers finalize their findings, but authorities have reiterated that this was a tragic accident influenced by weather conditions rather than intentional actions. The community is left mourning the loss of the driver while hoping for the full recovery of the young passenger.
