Tragic Crash in Eden, North Carolina: Four Dead, Several Injured in Multi-Vehicle Incident Involving Dump Truck

Eden, NC – April 24, 2025 — A horrific accident in Eden, North Carolina, has claimed the lives of four people and left several others critically injured after a 66-year-old driver failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a group of utility workers. The crash, which involved a dump truck and a bucket truck, occurred Thursday afternoon and has left the community in shock.

The Incident

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, emergency responders rushed to the scene at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), the collision was caused when 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden, who was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden, failed to stop at a posted stop sign on Carroll Street.

Vernon, traveling northbound, disregarded the stop sign at the intersection with Church Street and continued through the intersection, striking six utility workers who were performing powerline work in the area. The workers were contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization.

The impact of the dump truck sent the pedestrians flying, and the vehicle continued traveling north before colliding with an occupied bucket truck at the scene. After striking the bucket truck, the dump truck veered off the road and crashed into a nearby ditch, coming to a halt.

The Tragic Loss

Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes, but the damage had already been done. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were identified as:

• Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
• Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
• William Evans, 35, of Randleman
• Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem

The two surviving pedestrians were rushed to nearby medical facilities in critical condition. They have been identified as:

• Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
• Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted to a medical facility in stable condition

Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was also injured. He was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.

Michael Vernon’s Injuries and Arrest

Michael Ray Vernon, the driver of the dump truck, sustained minor injuries in the crash and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the cause of the crash, but initial reports suggest that Vernon may have been distracted or failed to notice the stop sign at the intersection.

The NCSHP is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. At this time, no charges have been filed against Vernon, but authorities are working to gather more information from witnesses and other involved parties.

A Community in Shock

The tragedy has rocked the small town of Eden, where local residents have expressed shock and sadness over the loss of life. The utility workers, who were performing important powerline work in the area, are being remembered for their dedication to their jobs and the safety of the community.

Local leaders have been quick to offer condolences to the victims’ families and call for support during this difficult time. “Our hearts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives today,” said Eden Mayor Deborah Davis. “This is an incredibly painful time for our community, and we will do everything we can to support those affected by this tragedy.”

The Survivors and Ongoing Recovery

Hunter Carter and Kevin Alexander, the two surviving utility workers, remain in critical and stable condition, respectively. Medical teams are working around the clock to provide them with the care they need as they recover from their injuries.

Cody Rich, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the collision, is expected to recover from his non-life-threatening injuries. His family has expressed their gratitude for the swift response of emergency services.

As the investigation continues, the Eden Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information to come forward. “We are committed to fully investigating this incident to determine the cause and ensure justice for those affected,” said Lieutenant John Graham of the Eden Police Department.

A Call for Road Safety

This tragic crash highlights the ongoing need for greater awareness and caution on the roads, particularly in areas where work crews are performing high-risk tasks. Utility work, road maintenance, and other infrastructure projects often require workers to be in vulnerable positions, and drivers must exercise the utmost caution when approaching such areas.

Officials are reminding all drivers to be vigilant, follow traffic laws, and slow down when approaching work zones. “Lives are at stake,” said NCSHP spokesperson Sergeant Rachel Martinez. “We urge drivers to take extra care, not just for their own safety but for the safety of those working to keep our community functioning.”

A Long Road Ahead

For the families of the victims, the long road ahead will be filled with grief, loss, and a sense of profound sorrow. Local authorities are providing resources and support to the affected families, and counseling services are available to help them navigate the aftermath of the tragedy.

As the investigation continues and the community mourns, one thing is clear — the impact of this devastating crash will be felt for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Eden community as they recover from this heartbreaking loss.