Martin County, NC (February 19, 2026) – A Washington man was killed late on Wednesday night in a wrong-way crash on U.S. 64 in Martin County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The collision occurred around 11:30 p.m. near Everetts and involved a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer.
Key Details
- Reported: February 18 at 11:30 p.m.
- Location: U.S. 64 near Everetts, Martin County
- Vehicles Involved: Passenger vehicle and 18-wheeler loaded with potatoes
- Fatality: 47-year-old Corey Shaw was pronounced dead at the scene
- Injuries: The tractor-trailer driver was transported to ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital with minor injuries
- Road Impact: One lane closed for approximately four hours
- Investigating Agency: North Carolina State Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- Troopers said Corey Shaw was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 64.
- His vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler that was loaded with potatoes.
- Shaw died at the scene as a result of the crash.
- The tractor-trailer driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital.
- One lane of U.S. 64 remained shut down for about four hours while crews responded and cleared the scene.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Additional details about what led to the wrong-way travel have not been released.
- Authorities have not indicated whether any contributing factors are under review.
- No further information about the investigation timeline has been shared.
The stretch of U.S. 64 near Everetts in Martin County is a key route for both local drivers and commercial traffic moving across eastern North Carolina. Late-night crashes on highways like this can be especially severe, particularly when a vehicle is traveling in the wrong direction and collides head-on with a large tractor-trailer. When serious or fatal crashes occur, troopers typically secure the roadway, document vehicle positions, and coordinate with towing crews to clear debris before reopening lanes. With one lane closed for several hours, drivers in the area likely experienced delays while the investigation and cleanup were underway.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Avoid arguing about fault at the scene. Provide clear information to the police and let officials determine what happened.
- If it’s safe, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
FAQ
Q: How long does it usually take for an accident report to become available?
A: Preliminary reports are often available within several days, though full investigative findings may take longer depending on the complexity of the crash.
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Highway speeds increase the force of impact, and wrong-way or head-on collisions can result in severe damage because of the combined speed of both vehicles.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means troopers are reviewing evidence, speaking with witnesses, and analyzing roadway conditions to determine the factors that led to the collision.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
