Carteret County, NC (May 26, 2026) – A man was killed, and two others were hurt, Saturday evening, May 23, following a head-on collision on Mill Creek Road, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Troopers said a Ford passenger car was traveling eastbound when it crossed left of center and struck a Toyota van head-on. The Ford was driven by 39-year-old Jalaha Villareal, who was pronounced dead at the site of the collision.
The driver and passenger inside the van were taken to Carteret Health Care with non-life-threatening injuries. Troopers noted the Ford came to rest in the eastbound lane, while the van ended up partially off the roadway in the westbound lane.
A memorial has since been placed along Mill Creek Road near where the collision happened. Troopers continue working to determine what led to the Ford crossing into oncoming travel.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Jalaha Villareal as they cope with this loss.
What Head-On Collisions Involve on Rural Roads
A head-on collision occur when one vehicle drifts into the opposite lane of travel. This can happen due to distraction, fatigue, speed, or an attempt to avoid another hazard. On rural roads, limited lighting and narrower lanes can increase the risk of these types of incidents, especially during evening hours.
These types of roadway events lead to severe outcomes because both vehicles are moving toward each other at the time of contact. Even at moderate speeds, the combined force can be significant. Investigators typically review vehicle positions, road markings, and weather conditions to understand how the vehicles ended up on the same path of travel.
Driver behavior, including lane discipline and reaction time, is examined. In some cases, mechanical issues or sudden medical problems may also be considered as contributing factors.
