Fayetteville, NC – A 64-year-old woman tragically died Sunday morning after a pickup truck collided with her SUV, pushing it into a utility pole in western Fayetteville, authorities said. The crash is the second deadly traffic incident in the area in less than 24 hours, raising concerns about speeding and road safety in the community.
Fatal Crash Details
The accident was reported just before 11:10 a.m. near Morganton Road at Hearthstone Drive, just west of Reilly Road. According to the Fayetteville Police Department, a 2022 Dodge Ram pickup truck, traveling at a high rate of speed, collided with the rear of a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan heading west on Morganton Road.
The force of the collision pushed the Volkswagen into a utility pole, resulting in the death of the driver, Luz E. Arroyo, 64, of Fayetteville. Authorities said the crash caused significant damage to the SUV but there were no reported injuries to pedestrians or other vehicles in the immediate area.
Suspect Details and Charges
The pickup truck driver, Richard B. Goodyear, 41, of Fayetteville, was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition following the crash.
Goodyear has been charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Misdemeanor death by motor vehicle
- Careless and reckless driving
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Failure to reduce speed to avoid colliding with a vehicle
Police noted that the case remains the investigation is ongoing as per CBS17.
Community and Safety Concerns
This tragic incident underscores the risks of high-speed driving in residential and commercial areas. Residents in Fayetteville are reminded to obey speed limits, drive cautiously, and remain alert, particularly in areas with intersections and utility infrastructure.
The Fayetteville Police Department emphasized that responsible driving saves lives and urged anyone with information about the crash to contact local authorities to aid the ongoing investigation.
Impact on Families and Community
The death of Luz E. Arroyo is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of traffic collisions on families and the broader community. Authorities and local leaders continue to call for road safety awareness campaigns, better enforcement of traffic laws, and community engagement to reduce similar incidents in the future.
Join the Conversation
What measures do you think could help prevent tragic crashes like this in Fayetteville? Should the city implement stricter speed enforcement or additional traffic safety programs? Share your ideas and opinions in the comments below.
