Latest news with #FallenLinemenOrganization
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Driver of Eden dump truck officially charged after fatal crash killed 4 linemen, injured 2 others
EDEN, N.C. (WGHP) — The man accused of driving the dump truck that ran a stop sign, hitting and killing four workers, has been officially charged. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, who have taken over the investigation due to the involvement of a City of Eden vehicle, Michael Ray Vernon, 66, of Eden, met investigations at the magistrate's office and was officially charged with one count of failing to stop for a stop sign, one count of operating a commercial motor vehicle without a valid CDL and 4 counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. He was given a $50,000 unsecured bond. Investigators are continuing to work on the crash, which happened on April 24 and killed four men working as contractors for Duke Energy. Fallen Linemen Organization working to help Eden crash victims Four of the six pedestrians hit died on the scene. Two people suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and were air-lifted to a hospital. The person in the bucket truck was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The four deceased have been identified as: Douglas Garland Sides, 71, of Summerfield Madison Carter, 32, of Sandy Ridge William Evans, 35, of Randleman Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem Lockwood was a Marine, described by one of his best friends as a man of faith and a person whom people liked to be around. Evans's step-brother remembered him as a devoted family man who leaves behind his wife and son. Sides was a fisherman and 'the coolest guy ever' according to a former coworker. All of them were remembered as loving their work as linemen. The Fallen Linemen Organization works to support families of linemen who are severely injured or killed, and is working to help the families of the Eden crash victims. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Family remembers Duke Energy contractor killed in Eden crash
EDEN, N.C. (WGHP) — The wounds are still fresh in Piedmont Triad as family and friends continue to mourn the loss of four line workers after a city dump truck crashed into them last week. All of these men lived in different parts of the Piedmont Triad. They were husbands, brothers and fathers. A nonprofit organization serving the families of linemen across the country is stepping in to offer emotional and financial support. A memorial along Church Street in Eden marks the spot where tragedy struck Thursday afternoon. 72-year-old Douglas Garland Sides, 32-year-old Madison Carter, 30-year-old Matthew Lockwood 35-year-old William Glenn Evans Jr. were killed. Evans' stepbrother, Raffilius Wolfhart, said he's still trying to process the sudden loss. 'I'm just kind of speechless. Wasn't expecting him … to leave this planet this early,' Wolfhart said. Evans and Wolfhart were just 10 years old when the two met after their parents married. Wolfhart remembers his stepbrother as a devoted family man who loved the outdoors. Evans was a lineman for 10 years. He leaves behind a wife and a young son. 'I'm actually proud of him for having the lifestyle that he had, especially having a kid,' Wolfhart said. To support Evans' family, Wolfhart has launched a GoFundMe. He's not alone. The Fallen Linemen Organization, a nonprofit based in Louisiana, is stepping in to help all of the affected families. Volunteer Coordinator Penny Jo Bilbrey has personally reached out to each one. Bilbrey's husband is a line worker, so she said connecting with these families is especially personal. She said the support is needed now and also needed long after these men are laid to rest. They provide them with emotional and financial support. 'This is when the friendship really forms … After the funerals, and I just know that from personal experience, everybody leaves. Unfortunately, life goes on, and that is when the darkest days come and the darkest times. So that's when I personally really try to embrace them as much as they will allow,' Bilbery said. All donations made to the Fallen Linemen Organization through the nonprofit's website will be divided among the families of the four men killed and the two who were injured. Please note the word 'Eden' in your donation or a specific person's name, and that's where your donation will go. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
