Tragic Crash on Mt. Misery Road Claims Life of Leland Resident James Alex Jones

Tragic Crash on Mt. Misery Road Claims Life of Leland Resident James Alex Jones

LELAND, N.C. — A community is in mourning following a fatal multi-vehicle crash on the night of June 6 that claimed the life of a beloved Leland man, 66-year-old James Alex Jones. The collision occurred just before 9:40 p.m. along the 3100 block of Mt. Misery Road, a stretch known to locals for its dim lighting and narrow lanes.

According to a preliminary report by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), Mr. Jones had just begun pulling out of a residential driveway when his vehicle was violently struck by a car traveling down Mt. Misery Road. The impact of that initial collision was so severe that both vehicles careened into a third car, resulting in a chaotic and deadly chain reaction.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes. Despite their efforts, Mr. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers indicated that his injuries were catastrophic and that the impact left little time for life-saving measures. The occupants of the third vehicle sustained injuries of varying severity and were transported to nearby hospitals. Their conditions have not been disclosed, though authorities have not reported any additional fatalities.

What makes this tragedy even more difficult for the community to accept is the revelation that alcohol and recklessness appear to have played a significant role in the crash. According to troopers, the woman behind the wheel of the vehicle that initially struck Mr. Jones has been charged with felony hit and run involving serious injury or death and driving while impaired (DWI).

Her name has not been publicly released, as the investigation is ongoing and formal court proceedings are pending. However, NCSHP officials confirmed that she fled the scene following the crash but was later apprehended and taken into custody.

Residents in the area expressed shock and anger that yet another life has been lost due to impaired driving—especially one as respected as Mr. Jones. Known to neighbors and friends as a kindhearted and dependable man, Mr. Jones had lived in Leland for many years. Friends recall his fondness for gardening, his deep commitment to his family, and his ever-present willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need.

“This is just heartbreaking,” said one neighbor who came to place flowers near the scene of the crash. “James was the type of person who waved at everyone and always had a kind word. To know he lost his life just pulling out of his own driveway—it’s senseless.”

As investigators continue to reconstruct the crash and gather forensic evidence, NCSHP officials are urging drivers to remember the devastating consequences of impaired and reckless driving.

“This was a preventable tragedy,” said one trooper. “Driving under the influence is not just illegal—it is lethal. Mr. Jones should still be here today. His family should not be burying a loved one because someone made a selfish decision to get behind the wheel while impaired.”

The suspect remains in custody, and further charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. She is expected to make her first court appearance in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the community of Leland is rallying behind the Jones family, offering condolences, support, and remembrance. A memorial is reportedly being planned to honor Mr. Jones’s life and to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.

As one neighbor poignantly said, “We can’t bring James back, but we can make sure his death wasn’t in vain. Let this be a wake-up call. No more lives should be lost to something so avoidable.”

James Alex Jones leaves behind family, friends, and a community forever changed by a night that began like any other—but ended in sorrow.