Kortney Summer Atkins Goldsboro Obituary, Death – Goldsboro Mother Kortney Summer Atkins Killed in Horrific Hit-and-Run Crash; Husband and Son Seriously Injured in Wrong-Way Collision on U.S. 70 Bypass Near Clayton, North Carolina
Goldsboro, North Carolina – In a heart-wrenching tragedy, 24-year-old Kortney Summer Atkins, a beloved mother and wife from Goldsboro, lost her life early Sunday morning when a wrong-way driver collided head-on with the SUV she was riding in. The crash, which occurred just after 3 a.m. on U.S. 70 Bypass near Clayton, North Carolina, also left her husband and young son seriously injured. The driver of the vehicle that caused the collision, identified as a man in a white BMW, fled the scene on foot, sparking an extensive manhunt by authorities that included K-9 units and troopers. As of now, the suspect remains at large.
The tragic event unfolded on the eastbound lanes of U.S. 70 Bypass near mile marker 319, close to Cornwallis Road. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the wrong-way driver was heading west in the eastbound lanes, driving a white BMW that ultimately caught fire after the collision. The vehicle’s wreckage and subsequent fire only added to the chaos and heartbreak as first responders rushed to the scene. Tragically, Kortney Atkins, a passenger in the Jeep Cherokee involved in the crash, was pronounced dead en route to WakeMed, despite the valiant efforts of emergency medical services.
Her husband and 4-year-old son, who were also in the Jeep, were critically injured and transported to WakeMed. Their lives, forever altered by the senseless violence of the crash, remain in the hands of doctors and medical teams. The heartbreaking loss of Kortney has left her family and the Goldsboro community in deep grief, as they now face the painful reality of moving forward without the woman whose life was cut short in such a violent and unexpected manner.
The Details of the Collision: A Life Cut Short and a Family Shattered
At approximately 3:05 a.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024, emergency dispatchers received reports of a serious crash on U.S. 70 Bypass, just outside the town of Clayton. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol quickly arrived at the scene and were confronted with a harrowing situation. A white BMW, driven by the suspect, had been traveling in the wrong direction, heading west in the eastbound lanes. In a split second, the BMW collided head-on with a white Jeep Cherokee, carrying four occupants from Goldsboro, including 24-year-old Kortney Summer Atkins, her husband, and their young son.
The impact was catastrophic. The white BMW, which was traveling at high speed, struck the front end of the Jeep, pushing it off the roadway and causing it to spin violently before coming to a stop. The force of the crash caused the BMW to catch fire, filling the air with thick, black smoke. Although the driver of the BMW was able to escape the wreckage and flee on foot, the aftermath of the crash left behind a scene of destruction and grief.
Kortney Atkins, who had been sitting in the passenger seat of the Jeep, was critically injured in the collision. Despite efforts to stabilize her at the scene, she was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital. Her death marks a heartbreaking loss for her family, friends, and the community. According to troopers, Kortney’s 4-year-old son, who had been sitting in a car seat in the back of the vehicle, sustained serious injuries in the crash and was rushed to WakeMed for treatment. Her husband, who had been driving, also suffered significant injuries and was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
The impact of the crash has rippled through the small town of Goldsboro, where Kortney was known for her warm, caring nature and her dedication to her family. The loss of a young mother, wife, and daughter has left a profound void in the lives of all who knew her. As investigators continue to work tirelessly to locate the suspect, the community has rallied around Kortney’s family, offering support and prayers during this unimaginable time.
The Life of Kortney Summer Atkins: A Bright Light Extinguished Too Soon
Kortney Summer Atkins was a vibrant, loving mother and wife who brought joy to everyone around her. Born and raised in Goldsboro, Kortney was known for her infectious smile, her kind heart, and her unwavering devotion to her family. She was the type of person who put others before herself, always going out of her way to help friends and loved ones. Kortney’s passion for life was evident in everything she did, and her spirit touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Kortney’s family was her world. She cherished every moment spent with her husband and son, and her love for them knew no bounds. Her friends remember her as a compassionate and generous person who would do anything for the people she cared about. “Kortney was the best friend anyone could ask for,” said a close friend. “She was always there when you needed her, and she made everyone feel special. She was truly one of a kind.”
Kortney and her husband, whose name has not yet been released due to the ongoing investigation, had been together for several years. They were high school sweethearts who built a life together, eventually welcoming their young son into the world. Their bond was strong, and they were looking forward to many more years of happiness. Tragically, their future was cut short by the reckless actions of a man who chose to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or simply without regard for the safety of others.
Kortney’s family is now left to cope with the profound loss of a woman who was the heart and soul of their lives. Her mother, who spoke through tears, described Kortney as a loving daughter who had always been there for her. “I can’t believe my daughter is gone,” her mother said, her voice breaking. “She was everything to me, and I don’t know how I’m going to go on without her.”
Kortney’s death has sent shockwaves through the Goldsboro community. She was known for her involvement in local events and charity work, and her absence has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew her. The community has come together to offer condolences and support, with a memorial service planned to honor Kortney’s memory and celebrate her life.
The Husband and Son: A Family Shattered by Tragedy
Kortney’s husband and son were also victims in the crash, though they survived the harrowing collision. The father, who is currently recovering in WakeMed, has spoken publicly about the devastation of losing his wife and the overwhelming pain of seeing his son injured. He described the events leading up to the crash, sharing how they had been returning home after spending time together when the wrong-way driver slammed into their vehicle.
“The crash happened so fast,” the husband said, his voice filled with emotion. “We didn’t even have time to react. I just remember seeing the headlights coming toward us and then everything went black.”
The father has remained by his son’s side at the hospital, where the child is undergoing treatment for his injuries. The young boy, though seriously injured, is expected to survive, but the trauma of the event will stay with him for the rest of his life. The father has expressed his determination to remain strong for his son, but the grief of losing his wife and witnessing the pain of his child is almost too much to bear.
The family’s future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: they are forever changed by this horrific accident. As they navigate the physical and emotional recovery, they have been buoyed by the support of friends, family, and the wider community, all of whom are rallying behind them in their time of need.
The Search for the Suspect: A Community on Edge
The driver of the white BMW that caused the fatal crash remains at large, and authorities are working tirelessly to locate him. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the suspect fled the scene on foot after the collision, and despite an extensive manhunt that included K-9 units and troopers, he managed to evade capture.
The suspect is described as a man in his late 20s or early 30s, who was wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts or any details that could assist in the investigation to come forward.
The community is on edge, as the hit-and-run crash has left many feeling unsafe. “It’s terrifying to think that someone could just leave the scene of an accident like this,” said one local resident. “This man took a life, and now he’s running from the law. We need justice for Kortney and her family.”
A Call for Justice: Seeking Accountability for a Life Lost
As the investigation continues, the Goldsboro community is united in its call for justice for Kortney Summer Atkins and her family. The loss of a young mother and wife has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. The search for the man responsible for her death continues, with law enforcement agencies urging the public to remain vigilant and report any tips that may help in locating the suspect.
Kortney’s family, friends, and the Goldsboro community are determined to ensure that her death is not in vain. “We want justice,” Kortney’s mother said. “We want the person who did this to pay for what they’ve done.”
As the investigation unfolds, Kortney’s loved ones are focused on honoring her memory and ensuring that her legacy lives on. “Kortney was a beautiful person inside and out,” said a family member. “She will never be forgotten, and we will continue to love her
