Jones County, NC (April 15, 2026) – A 13-year-old girl was found dead Tuesday morning, April 15, after being struck by a dump truck along a rural road near the Croatan National Forest. Emergency units were called around 7:30 a.m. to Ten Mile Fork Rd near La Wane Ln after a body was discovered in a ditch.
Investigators said the crash happened earlier that morning, around 4:30 a.m., when a dump truck driver hit what he believed was an animal in the roadway. The driver and a passing motorist stopped to search the area but were unable to locate anything due to fog and low visibility. Both left the scene after checking the roadside.
After sunrise on Tuesday, April 14, the passing motorist returned to continue searching and found the girl’s body in a deep ditch off the road. Authorities were then notified, and emergency units responded to the scene.
Officials later confirmed the victim had been walking along the center line of the road when she was hit. With assistance from the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, she was identified as a missing 13-year-old autistic, nonverbal girl. No charges have been filed against the driver.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Early Morning Road Conditions Can Increase Crash Risks on Rural Roads
Driving in the early morning hours can be more dangerous, especially on rural roads where lighting is limited. Reduced visibility from fog or darkness makes it harder for drivers to see people or objects ahead in time to react. Even familiar roads can become difficult to navigate under these conditions.
Pedestrians walking along or within roadways face a higher risk during these hours. Without reflective clothing or proper lighting, they may not be visible until it is too late. Narrow roads without sidewalks can also force people closer to moving traffic.
Environmental factors such as ditches, curves, and tree cover can further limit visibility. These conditions make it harder for drivers to safely stop or avoid a collision, especially when unexpected obstacles appear in the roadway.
