The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating a tragic incident that occurred on Tuesday evening, April 24, 2025, in Eden, North Carolina. A city-owned dump truck, driven by 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon, allegedly ran a stop sign at the intersection of Carroll Street and Church Street, striking six utility workers from Carolina Power and Signalization who were servicing power lines. The crash resulted in the deaths of four workers—Douglas Garland Sides (72), Madison Carter (32), William Evans (35), and Matthew Lockwood (30)—and severe injuries to two others. A third individual, in a bucket truck at the time, suffered non-life-threatening injuries .

Vernon has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. Authorities stated that impairment is not suspected. The incident prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from family, friends, and officials. Lockwood, a Marine veteran and dedicated lineman, was remembered as someone who lived life fully. Statements from Carolina Power, Duke Energy, local officials, and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein emphasized the tragedy and stressed the importance of road safety .

This incident highlights the dangers faced by utility workers and the critical importance of adhering to traffic regulations to ensure the safety of all road users.