Vilma Clay Obituary, Death – Authorities in North Carolina are investigating a tragic incident that occurred Wednesday night along Interstate 40 near mile marker 415 in New Hanover County, involving two separate crashes. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), the incident resulted in the death of a Moore County resident following a collision and a subsequent hit-and-run.
Troopers report that the crash took place at approximately 9:15 p.m. when a driver traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes collided with another vehicle. The impact caused both vehicles to veer off the road, eventually coming to rest along the highway shoulder. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Authorities identified the wrong-way driver as 72-year-old Vilma Clay of Cameron. According to investigators, after the initial collision, Clay exited her vehicle and was on the roadway when she was struck by another passing vehicle. Unfortunately, that vehicle continued driving and did not remain at the scene.
Clay was pronounced deceased shortly after by emergency personnel who arrived at the site. Law enforcement officials have since categorized the event as two separate but connected incidents — the first being the two-vehicle collision caused by the wrong-way driver, and the second being the hit-and-run that followed.
Investigators are working diligently to gather evidence from both crash scenes. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said troopers are reviewing nearby surveillance footage, analyzing debris, and speaking with potential witnesses in an effort to identify the vehicle and driver who left the scene. The stretch of highway where the incident occurred was temporarily closed while officials conducted their investigation, leading to traffic delays for several hours.
Authorities have not released details about the occupants of the second vehicle involved in the first crash, though it is believed that they sustained minor injuries and received medical attention. The NCSHP is continuing to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crash and the subsequent impact.
Incidents involving wrong-way driving are relatively rare but can have devastating consequences. Safety experts often note that confusion, fatigue, or distraction are among the common contributing factors in such cases. Officials have not yet determined why Clay was traveling in the wrong direction on the interstate, and the investigation remains ongoing to clarify what circumstances led to the initial collision.
Troopers emphasized that they are treating the hit-and-run portion of the incident with high priority, as leaving the scene of an accident that results in serious injury or loss of life is a serious offense under North Carolina law. The State Highway Patrol is urging the driver who was involved in the second collision to come forward and cooperate with investigators.
As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made, and authorities had not released any identifying details about the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. The NCSHP is also asking for assistance from the public, particularly from anyone who may have been driving through the area between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and might have witnessed any part of the incident.
Those with information are encouraged to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol at 910-395-3917. Tipsters may remain anonymous when sharing information that could assist with the investigation.
The tragic loss of life on Interstate 40 serves as another reminder of the importance of staying alert and adhering to road safety rules. Authorities continue to stress the need for drivers to remain vigilant, especially at night, and to contact emergency services immediately if they encounter a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction.
As investigations proceed, law enforcement officials are hopeful that the public’s assistance and available evidence will lead to identifying the driver responsible for leaving the scene, helping bring closure to the victim’s family and ensuring accountability for the incident.
