PITT COUNTY, N.C. — A fatal crash in Pitt County early Friday morning claimed the life of a Washington, D.C. man after his vehicle ran off the road and overturned, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Authorities reported that the crash occurred around 4:44 a.m. on NC 102, close to Madison Hardee Road. Troopers said the victim, identified as 37-year-old Patrick Alonzo Bell, was traveling eastbound when he lost control of his vehicle. The car veered off the roadway, hit a ditch culvert, and overturned violently.
Investigators determined that Bell was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. As a result, he was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Bell was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Highway Patrol’s preliminary investigation pointed to speed, improper lane control, and failure to use a seatbelt as key contributing factors in the deadly incident. Authorities believe that excessive speed may have caused Bell to lose control, sending his vehicle off the road. His lack of restraint further worsened the outcome, as ejection from a vehicle significantly reduces the chances of survival in serious crashes.
Law enforcement officials stressed the importance of proper safety practices, noting that seatbelts remain one of the most effective measures in preventing fatalities during collisions. According to national traffic safety data, the majority of crash victims who are ejected from vehicles are not restrained at the time.
The crash forced troopers to temporarily close the affected stretch of NC 102 while they conducted their on-scene investigation and cleared the wreckage. Traffic was redirected until the roadway was safe for reopening.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident, but so far, no other vehicles are believed to have been involved. The single-vehicle crash serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly road conditions, driver behavior, and safety decisions can lead to tragic consequences.
Bell’s death adds to the growing number of traffic fatalities in the state this year. Highway Patrol officials have repeatedly urged drivers to remain vigilant, obey posted speed limits, and always wear a seatbelt, regardless of trip length or road type. They emphasized that crashes like this highlight how small decisions—such as exceeding the speed limit or failing to buckle up—can make the difference between life and death.
Community members in Pitt County and beyond expressed sorrow upon learning of the fatal crash. Though originally from Washington, D.C., Bell’s death in the region underscored the broader reach of road safety issues that affect not just residents but all who travel through North Carolina.
The case remains under active review as investigators finalize their report, but authorities reiterated their core message: seatbelts save lives, and safe driving practices are essential for preventing tragedies like this one.
