Three women dead after Sunday’s fatal vehicle crashes

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating three fatal crashes that occurred in Duplin County on Sunday, Dec. 10.

The first accident took place in the early morning hours at the intersection of NC 41 Highway and Rivenbarktown Road. According to authorities Kimberlynn Perez, failed to stop at a stop sign, hitting a tree. The 35 year old was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene.

The second fatality took place on N. NC 111 Highway between Cabin Street and Kitty Noecker Road. According to authorities Ashley Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene after her vehicle ran off the road and overturned striking a tree. 

The two early collisions were single car events and driver error was a factor in both, according to NCSHP officials. 

The third fatality occurred on S. NC 41 Highway at Cypress Hole Road when Rebecca Rachlin’s vehicle collided head-on with the at fault vehicle which crossed left of center hitting her vehicle. The man driving the other vehicle is currently facing charges.

Rachlin was extracted from her vehicle but succumbed to her injuries before she could be transported. According to NCSHP, the third collision did occur during the rain and therefore weather has not been ruled out as contributing to the wreck.