Smithfield woman dies in Johnston County single-car crash, troopers say

BENSON, N.C. (WNCN) — A Smithfield woman died in a single-car crash along N.C. 96 in Johnston County on Saturday afternoon, officials said.

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The crash was reported just after 1 p.m. along N.C. 96 near Godwin Lake Road, about a mile south of Interstate 40, according to a North Carolina State Highway Patrol news release.

The crash happened when the woman driving a black Mazda 3i was heading south along N.C. 96 and crossed the centerline, troopers said.

The car then traveled off the road to the left and hit a tree, killing the driver, who was alone in the car.

Brindle Wood Goodwin, 74, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene, according to Sgt. Nathan D. White, of the N.C. State Highway Patrol.

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Before the crash, the driver was reported as reckless with a caller saying that the car was “all over the roadway,” White said in the release.

Speed and alcohol have been ruled out as contributing factors, White said.

A medical condition is possible as the crash cause and toxicology results are pending, the news release said.

“The investigation is ongoing,” White said.

Troopers said anyone with information about the deadly wreck should contact the Johnston County Highway Patrol Office at 919-934-2186 or Sgt N.D. White or C.M. Hall at 919-733-4400.

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