Jonathan Toxtle Zacarias, Sampson County, Obituary, Death: Wrong-way Camaro crash leaves three dead on Interstate 40

Investigators in North Carolina are trying to piece together the final moments before a deadly wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 claimed the lives of three people early Saturday morning in Sampson County.

State Highway Patrol said the crash happened shortly before 3 a.m. near Newton Grove after a red Chevrolet Camaro entered the eastbound lanes while traveling westbound. Troopers say the car then crashed head-on into a black Honda Accord in a violent impact that destroyed both vehicles.

Authorities identified the Camaro’s driver as 21-year-old Jonathan Toxtle Zacarias of Fayetteville. Officials confirmed he died at the scene alongside his passenger, 20-year-old Gabriel Toxtle Zacarias.

The crash also killed 14-year-old Beancy Rivas Flores, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of the Honda Accord. Troopers said the teenage girl suffered fatal injuries during the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Honda survived the wreck but suffered major injuries. Emergency responders airlifted the victim to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville as crews worked through the early morning hours to stabilize the chaotic crash scene.

Drivers traveling through Sampson County faced long delays as Interstate 40 eastbound remained shut down for hours. Traffic was diverted while investigators documented evidence, removed debris, and worked to reopen the roadway safely.

Authorities have not released details explaining how the Camaro ended up traveling the wrong direction on one of North Carolina’s busiest highways. Investigators are continuing to examine the moments leading up to the deadly crash.

The tragedy has left many people stunned, especially because of the young age of one of the victims. Families in Fayetteville and nearby communities are now mourning three lives lost in a crash that unfolded in just seconds but will leave lasting pain behind for years.