Winston-Salem, NC (June 3, 2026) – A Surry County detention officer lost his life following a two-vehicle wreck on Tuesday, June 2, on US-52 in Winston-Salem.
According to information released by police, the crash occurred around 12:50 p.m. in the northbound lanes of US-52 north of Motor Rd. Thomas James Smith III, 49, was found unresponsive after the vehicles came together. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. Nicole Bumiller Uzzell, 59, the driver of the second vehicle, was not hurt.
Investigators determined that Smith experienced a medical emergency before losing control of his vehicle. Police stated that the injuries he received in the collision were not considered life-threatening and that the medical emergency was believed to be the factor that led to his death. The Surry County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Smith was employed as a detention officer with the county.
Detectives continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. Our hearts go out to Mr. Smith’s family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time.
How Medical Emergencies Can Contribute to Traffic Crashes
Medical emergencies behind the wheel can create sudden and dangerous driving conditions. Health-related episodes such as heart attacks, strokes, seizures, or other serious medical problems may cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle with little or no warning.
When a crash is believed to involve a medical issue, investigators often review medical records, witness statements, vehicle movement, and roadway evidence to determine what occurred before the vehicles came together. In some cases, the medical emergency itself may be identified as the primary factor rather than roadway conditions or driver actions.
These cases can be complex because investigators must separate injuries caused by the traffic collision from those related to the underlying health problem. Medical findings, witness accounts, and physical evidence are commonly used to build a clearer picture of the sequence of events.
