Zebulon, NC (September 7, 2026) – On Saturday morning, September 5, a 10 year old boy died and four other people, including two children, were reportedly left with serious injuries after a crash on NC 96 near Doyle Road in Wake County.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol says an SUV carrying five people ran off the road and struck a tree. The occupants reportedly ranged in age from 4 to 35 years old. Authorities identified the child who died as Miking Daniel, age 10.
Troopers say three others in the vehicle, a 35-year-old woman and two children ages 7 and 4, suffered serious injuries and were being treated following the crash. The driver was also reportedly hurt and, according to authorities, left the scene before later being located and arrested. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The driver faces multiple charges, including felony hit and run counts, misdemeanor child abuse, misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, and a charge related to driving left of center, according to the highway patrol. He was also served an outstanding warrant out of Nash County on unrelated felony drug charges. He is being held without bond, and investigators say additional charges remain possible as the case continues.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk When an SUV Runs Off the Road
Children riding in the back seats of SUVs and other larger vehicles are often among the most vulnerable occupants when a vehicle leaves the roadway and strikes a fixed object like a tree. Their smaller bodies are more susceptible to serious injury from sudden deceleration forces, and proper restraint use plays an outsized role in determining outcomes for younger passengers.
Occupant protection becomes especially critical in run-off-road crashes because there is often little warning and no opportunity to brace for impact. Whether every child in a vehicle is secured in an appropriate car seat or booster, based on age and size, can be the difference between a survivable crash and a fatal one.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person was killed every 13 minutes in traffic crashes in 2023. Data on single-vehicle crashes consistently shows that young children and unrestrained passengers face disproportionate risk when a vehicle strikes a tree, pole, or other roadside object.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does seat belt and car seat use matter so much in crashes like this?
Proper restraints keep occupants, especially children, from being thrown against interior surfaces or ejected during sudden impacts, significantly reducing the risk of severe injury or death.
What should families do in the aftermath of a fatal crash?
Families are typically encouraged to stay in contact with investigating agencies for updates, seek support from local resources, and allow time for official findings before drawing conclusions about how the crash happened.
How are fatal crashes like this investigated, and how long does it take?
Agencies such as the state highway patrol typically reconstruct the scene, interview witnesses, and review evidence such as vehicle data and road conditions. These investigations can take weeks or longer, particularly when criminal charges are involved.
What to Do After a Single-Vehicle Crash in Zebulon, North Carolina
If you or a loved one are involved in a serious roadway crash, getting a full medical evaluation promptly is important, even when injuries are not immediately obvious. Adrenaline can mask pain from internal injuries or trauma for hours after impact.
It’s also helpful to document the scene if possible, gather contact information for any witnesses, and request a copy of the official crash report once it becomes available. For families coping with a serious injury or loss, leaning on local support networks and taking things one step at a time can make an overwhelming process more manageable.
