Olivia, NC (June 7, 2026) – An 8-year-old boy lost their life on Friday afternoon following a three-vehicle traffic accident along NC 24/87 near Olivia Road in Harnett County.
According to reports, the roadway incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on June 5. A 2017 International tractor-trailer was traveling north on NC 24/87 when it failed to slow for a 2026 Hyundai Palisade that was stopped at a red light. The truck struck the rear of the SUV, forcing it through the intersection and into a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe that was waiting in a southbound turn lane.
After being hit, the Hyundai traveled off the roadway to the right, while the other vehicles remained on the highway. Emergency units arrived and found an 8-year-old boy in the SUV fatally hurt. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Hyundai was taken to a medical facility in Fayetteville with life-threatening harm before being airlifted to UNC-Chapel Hill. A 9-year-old girl riding in the SUV also received critical injuries and was flown to the same hospital. People traveling in the Tahoe, including the driver, a passenger, and a baby, were taken to a hospital in Sanford with minor injuries.
The truck driver, 63-year-old David Allen Cuellar of Lake Station, Indiana, was not injured. He was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. The identities of the children and other occupants have not been fully released.
Investigators continue working to determine all factors that led to the collision. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the child who died in this tragedy.
How Rear-End Collisions Can Lead to Multi-Vehicle Traffic Disasters
Rear-end crashes involving large commercial trucks often result in severe consequences due to the size and weight differences between the vehicles. When a tractor-trailer strikes a stopped vehicle, the force can push that vehicle into others nearby, creating a chain reaction.
These types of roadway disasters frequently occur at intersections, traffic signals, and areas where vehicles slow or stop unexpectedly. The risk becomes even greater when heavy trucks are unable to reduce speed in time. Investigators often review vehicle positions, braking activity, roadway markings, and traffic signal timing to better understand how such collisions unfolded.
In crashes involving children, passenger placement and safety restraints may also be reviewed as part of the overall examination. Information gathered during these reviews helps provide a clearer picture of the sequence of events and the factors that contributed to the outcome.
