Katana Perry Obituary, Death – A deadly collision that took place late Tuesday night on Capital Boulevard in Wake Forest has led to criminal charges being filed against a driver who was traveling in the wrong direction. The multi-vehicle crash occurred near Star Road and resulted in the death of a young woman, as well as injuries to several other individuals.
The Wake Forest Police Department reported that the incident happened around 11:15 p.m., when a driver was traveling south in the northbound lanes of Capital Boulevard. This wrong-way movement led to a violent crash involving three vehicles. Authorities arrived at the scene shortly after receiving emergency calls and began their investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragic event.
According to a statement released by the Town of Wake Forest, the crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Katana Perry, a resident of Raleigh. Perry was a passenger in one of the vehicles struck by the wrong-way driver and was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders were unable to save her due to the severity of her injuries.
The wrong-way driver was identified as 74-year-old Willie Gene Coleman of Philadelphia. He is currently hospitalized in critical condition. Once he is medically cleared, police plan to formally serve him with the charges. Coleman faces charges of misdemeanor death by vehicle and driving the wrong way on a dual-lane highway. Authorities have confirmed that they do not suspect drugs or alcohol to be involved in the crash.
Two other drivers were also involved in the collision. Barrett Carter, 36, of Raleigh, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The second driver, 19-year-old Quidasiah Teachey of Franklinton, suffered minor injuries and also received medical attention.
Due to the severity of the crash and the time needed for emergency response and cleanup, all northbound lanes of Capital Boulevard were shut down for over three hours. The road closure created significant delays for late-night travelers and commuters. Traffic investigators worked throughout the night to document the scene, take witness statements, and begin the process of reconstructing the sequence of events that led to the collision.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and have asked for the public’s help. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has relevant information is encouraged to contact the Wake Forest Police Department. Witness testimonies and additional evidence could help provide a clearer picture of how the wrong-way driving occurred and whether any further action needs to be taken.
Community members have expressed sorrow over the loss of Katana Perry, whose life ended abruptly due to the crash. Friends and family have begun to share tributes online, describing her as a vibrant young woman with a promising future. Her death has shocked many in the Raleigh area, especially those who knew her personally.
Wrong-way crashes, although rare, often have devastating consequences due to the high-speed impact and lack of reaction time for other drivers. Transportation experts note that incidents like this are particularly dangerous on divided highways, where drivers typically do not anticipate oncoming traffic in their lanes. Efforts to prevent such incidents often include improved road signage, clearer lane markings, and driver awareness campaigns.
As the investigation continues, officials have reiterated the importance of cautious and alert driving, especially at night when visibility is lower and fatigue may impair driver performance. The Wake Forest Police Department will be reviewing all available footage, including any dashcams or nearby surveillance cameras, to assist with their findings.
In the meantime, the charges filed against Coleman reflect the serious nature of the consequences stemming from his actions, even if impairment was not a factor. Driving the wrong way on a divided highway is a critical error that endangers everyone on the road, and in this case, it resulted in a tragic fatality and multiple injuries.
The police department’s next steps include coordinating with medical professionals regarding Coleman’s condition and preparing for a legal process once he is well enough to appear in court. His medical status will determine the timeline for when he is officially served with the charges.
The community of Wake Forest is still reeling from the incident, and local leaders are urging residents to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts. They are also emphasizing the role of safe driving practices and encouraging drivers to remain vigilant, particularly during late-night hours.
As the investigation unfolds, officials will likely review whether additional measures could help prevent similar accidents in the future. The goal is not only to hold those responsible accountable but also to use the lessons from this crash to improve roadway safety for all.
Anyone with tips or additional information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the Wake Forest Police Department at (919) 554-6150. Authorities remain committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding this tragic crash and ensuring justice for the victims.