New details on Duplin County crash deaths

DUPLIN COUNTY, NC (WITN) – We’re learning more about an active-duty U.S. Navy sailor and his wife who were killed in a crash involving a semi-truck.

Troopers say the crash happened around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday on Ludie Brown Road at Willie Hatcher Road.

Killed were Command Chief Simba Wallace and his wife, Dr. It was Natalie Castro.

The Highway Patrol says Wallace was stationed at Camp Lejeune.

A. navy bio For Wallace, the assignment reflects a storied career of service that includes time assigned to Cherry Point Air Station.

The Highway Patrol investigation revealed that the couple’s Jeep Wrangler was traveling southbound on Willie Hatcher Road, but failed to yield to a semitruck carrying chickens heading west on Ludie Brown Road.

Troopers said the Jeep was struck by a semi-truck, overturned, left the roadway and came to rest partially off the roadway.

Troopers say Wallace and Castro died at the scene.

According to the information provided by the soldiers, the truck driver was taken to ECU Health Duplin Hospital with minor injuries.

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