Oscar Lee Chestnutt Obituary, Death – An 81-year-old man lost his life while attempting to assist a driver whose vehicle was stuck in a sinkhole late Tuesday night in Sampson County, according to North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Incident Details
The accident occurred around 9 p.m. on Dr. Kerr Road (SR-1105) just south of Harrells. According to troopers, a Chevy pickup truck traveling south attempted to make a three-point turn near Wildcat Road (SR-1007) when its front wheels became lodged in a large sinkhole.
Good Samaritan Steps In to Help
The driver of the stranded pickup began flagging down passing vehicles for assistance. Oscar Lee Chestnutt, an elderly man in the area, saw the situation and stepped in to help.
Tragic Collision
While Chestnutt was assisting the driver, an SUV traveling south on Dr. Kerr Road approached the scene. The SUV struck the pickup, causing the pickup to collide with Chestnutt. The SUV then came to a stop on top of Chestnutt, leading to his fatal injuries.
No Signs of Impairment
Authorities stated that impairment was not a factor for any of the drivers involved.
Ongoing Investigation
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the accident. Further details may be released as officials analyze the scene and gather more information.