Clinton, NC (January 24, 2026) – Two teenagers were killed late Friday morning following a head-on crash involving a tractor-trailer in Sampson County. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 10:40 a.m. along NC-24 west of Clinton. Authorities said a 2015 Honda Accord, occupied by a driver and one passenger, was traveling west when it attempted to pass a Toyota truck. During the maneuver, the Honda left the roadway to the left, lost control while re-entering traffic, and collided head-on with an eastbound 2025 International tractor-trailer hauling an empty low-boy trailer.
The impact caused the Honda to leave the road and land in a ditch on the north side of NC-24, while the tractor-trailer came to a stop in the center of the highway. Troopers identified the victims as Christopher Leonardo Avila Gomez, 18, of Clinton, and Isabel Marie Hepworth, 19, of Faison. Both died at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured, according to investigators.
Key Details
- Location: Clinton, NC
- Where: NC-24 near Clinton
- Type: Fatal Crash With Tractor-Trailer
- Reported: January 23, at 10:40 a.m.
- Injuries: Two fatalities confirmed
- Responding Agency: North Carolina State Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- A 2015 Honda Accord attempted to pass another vehicle on NC-24.
- The vehicle left the road, lost control, and struck a tractor-trailer head-on.
- Christopher Leonardo Avila Gomez, 18, and Isabel Marie Hepworth, 19, were killed instantly.
- The tractor-trailer driver was not injured in the crash.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether speed or other factors contributed to the loss of control.
- Whether weather or road conditions played a role in the incident.
- If any charges or citations will follow the investigation.
- How long the highway remained closed during the response.
Local Context
NC-24 near Clinton serves as a key route through Sampson County, frequently used by local drivers and commercial trucks alike. The stretch where the crash occurred includes areas with limited passing visibility, which can pose serious risks when attempting to overtake slower-moving vehicles. In this case, the combination of re-entry maneuvers and opposing traffic created a deadly scenario. When major collisions like this occur, highway patrol teams often shut down both lanes to assess the scene, assist surviving parties, and begin a detailed investigation. Updates are typically issued once those findings are verified and next-of-kin notifications are completed.
What to Do Next
- If you witnessed the crash or have dashcam footage, contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol to assist in the investigation.
- Support is available for families of the victims through local grief counseling resources and community services.
- Review safety guidelines and legal limitations before attempting to pass on two-lane roads, especially on rural highways.
- If you often travel NC-24, stay updated on traffic and safety advisories through official state channels.
FAQ
Q: Why are details sometimes limited right after a crash?
A: Initial details are focused on emergency care and scene control. Full information is confirmed and released only after investigations and next-of-kin notifications are completed.
Q: Why are freeway or highway crashes especially dangerous?
A: High speeds, limited reaction time, and opposing traffic in passing zones make highway collisions particularly severe, especially head-on impacts.
Q: What happens when police arrive at a crash scene?
A: Police secure the scene, assist injured individuals, collect physical evidence, take statements, and begin a formal investigation to determine what happened.
