Navy Command Master Chief and Beloved Wife Fatally Killed in Duplin County Collision with Semi-Truck—Community Mourns the Loss of Respected Military Leader and Devoted Couple
Navy Command Master Chief and Beloved Wife Fatally Killed in Duplin County Collision with Semi-Truck—Community Mourns the Loss of Respected Military Leader and Devoted Couple”
Duplin County, North Carolina—November 15, 2024:
A devastating crash in Duplin County has claimed the lives of Navy Command Master Chief Simba Wallace, an esteemed U.S. Navy leader, and his wife, Natalie Castro. The fatal accident occurred Wednesday evening on Ludie Brown Road at the intersection of Willie Hatcher Road. Their Jeep Wrangler was struck by a semi-truck hauling live poultry, leading to the tragic deaths of the couple, who were pronounced dead at the scene. As the investigation into the crash unfolds, the Navy community and local residents are paying heartfelt tributes to the couple, remembered as compassionate and deeply committed to one another, their family, and their community.
The Fatal Crash: Details of the Tragic Collision
On the evening of November 13, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Simba Wallace and Natalie Castro were driving south on Willie Hatcher Road in their Jeep Wrangler, navigating a stretch of rural road known for its limited visibility and frequent tractor-trailer traffic due to local poultry and agriculture transport. According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, a semi-truck transporting live chickens and traveling west on Ludie Brown Road collided with the couple’s vehicle at the intersection, causing catastrophic damage to the Jeep.
Witnesses reported that upon impact, the Jeep overturned multiple times before careening off the road and landing upside-down in a grassy ditch. The Jeep’s rollover caused fatal injuries to both Wallace and Castro, who were both pronounced dead at the scene despite first responders’ attempts to resuscitate them. The driver of the semi-truck, identified as a 45-year-old man from a nearby county, was transported to ECU Health Duplin Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and released later that evening.
Investigation and Safety Concerns at the Scene
North Carolina Highway Patrol officials are conducting a detailed investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident, including whether factors like visibility, speed, and intersection design may have contributed to the fatal collision. Initial reports suggest that the Jeep entered the intersection at the same time as the semi-truck, but limited visibility on this rural road may have made it difficult for either driver to see the other until it was too late.
The intersection of Ludie Brown Road and Willie Hatcher Road, while rural, is known to locals as a high-risk area for accidents, particularly with the steady presence of commercial trucks hauling goods and livestock. In response to the crash, local residents have called for improved road signage and intersection visibility, hoping the tragedy will prompt action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Duplin County has experienced an increase in rural road accidents over the past five years, as traffic patterns have shifted with the growing demand in agricultural transport.
Remembering Simba Wallace: A Distinguished Naval Career
Simba Wallace, originally from Camden, New Jersey, had an illustrious Navy career spanning nearly 30 years, marked by leadership, dedication, and compassion. After graduating from Thomas Edison State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Technology (BAST) in Health Information Technology, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1995. Rising through the ranks with commendable service, Wallace became known for his unwavering commitment to his duties and his crew.
Wallace’s early assignments included the National Naval Medical Center, Northern Clinics, Naval Air Warfare Center in Trenton, Naval Air Station Willow Grove, and the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard League Island Branch Medical Clinic. His work was widely respected, earning him a promotion to First Class Petty Officer in 2006. By 2021, Wallace achieved the prestigious rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, and in March 2022, he was further promoted to Command Master Chief, overseeing operations aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. His leadership style, often described as compassionate and disciplined, inspired a generation of sailors who regarded him as both mentor and friend.
Beyond his professional achievements, Wallace was deeply respected by those who knew him on a personal level. His colleagues and fellow Chief Petty Officers at Camp Lejeune remember Wallace as a person of exceptional integrity, with a spirit of camaraderie that brought his crew closer together. “Today was an emotional day for the Camp Lejeune Area Chiefs mess and the Navy as a whole!” one tribute shared. “We lost an amazing leader, a dear friend, and his loving wife. Simba was one of a kind—a role model, a guide, and a friend to all of us. This loss will hurt forever.”
Natalie Castro: A Life of Kindness and Devotion
Natalie Castro, Simba’s wife, was equally cherished by family, friends, and her community. Known for her caring and gentle nature, Castro was a dedicated wife and partner, supporting Wallace throughout his career and life’s challenges. Friends describe her as an individual with a “quiet strength,” someone who approached life with kindness and grace. Her bond with Wallace was evident to all who knew them, with friends often remarking on their shared sense of humor and mutual support.
Castro, a native of North Carolina, met Wallace in 2015 during one of his postings in the region. Their relationship blossomed, and they married shortly after, establishing a close-knit family in Jacksonville, North Carolina. In her personal life, Castro was a passionate advocate for animals and frequently volunteered at local shelters. Her community involvement extended beyond animal care, as she also worked part-time with a local nonprofit organization aimed at supporting military families.
The couple’s love story was a source of inspiration to those around them. They were described as inseparable and complementary, a testament to their devotion to each other. Wallace’s colleagues, in particular, recall Castro’s warm presence at Navy events and gatherings, where she was always ready with a kind word and an encouraging smile.
Community Tributes and the Profound Impact of Their Loss
The deaths of Wallace and Castro have reverberated across the military and civilian communities alike. At Camp Lejeune, where Wallace had a close network of colleagues and friends, the loss has been deeply felt. Navy personnel organized a memorial service to honor Wallace, a gesture reflecting the high regard and respect in which he was held.
In a written statement, Commanding Officer Capt. Laura Ellis shared her condolences, saying, “The loss of Command Master Chief Wallace and his wife Natalie is a tragic blow to our community. His leadership and warmth touched the lives of everyone on board the USS Harry S. Truman, and his legacy will live on through the values he instilled in those he led. Our thoughts are with their family during this unimaginable time.”
Friends and neighbors of the couple in Jacksonville, North Carolina, have also expressed their grief. The Wallace-Castro home was a known fixture in the neighborhood, where the couple frequently hosted gatherings and volunteered their time. Flowers and memorial candles now line the fence of their residence, left by grieving friends, neighbors, and fellow military families.
A Devoted Family Man and a Trusted Mentor
Simba Wallace was a man who inspired loyalty and friendship. Known to be a family man, Wallace maintained close ties with his siblings and relatives in Camden, New Jersey. He would regularly visit his hometown and kept close connections with his childhood friends and family members, often sharing updates on his career and the family life he had built with Natalie.
Wallace was not only committed to his Navy family but was a trusted mentor to many. His younger peers described him as someone who embodied the values of respect and humility, someone they could turn to for guidance. “Simba was a man who didn’t just talk about service; he lived it every day,” one former colleague shared. “He set the bar high, always pushing us to be better while making sure we knew we could rely on him.”
His dedication extended beyond the Navy. Wallace had plans to retire in a few years and had hoped to spend more time with family, possibly taking up a leadership role in a local nonprofit to continue serving his community in a new way.
Moving Forward: Honoring the Legacy of Simba Wallace and Natalie Castro
For the Wallace and Castro families, the days ahead will be filled with immeasurable grief. Loved ones are organizing a joint memorial service, expected to draw military and civilian attendees from across the region. The families have established a scholarship fund in honor of Wallace’s commitment to mentorship and Castro’s dedication to animal welfare, ensuring their legacy lives on through causes close to their hearts.
Wallace’s colleagues aboard the USS Harry S. Truman are organizing a commemorative ceremony and have proposed renaming one of the ship’s facilities in his honor. The couple’s death has sparked renewed conversations within the Navy community about the importance of strong support networks for those who serve, emphasizing the need to cherish relationships and prioritize mental and emotional well-being.
Conclusion: Remembering a Life of Service, Love, and Sacrifice
The tragic loss of Simba Wallace and Natalie Castro has left an indelible mark on everyone who knew them. Wallace’s three decades of service to the U.S. Navy reflect his unwavering dedication, while Castro’s compassionate spirit and community involvement made her a cherished presence in Jacksonville. Their lives serve as a testament to the power of love, resilience, and commitment to family and country.
As Duplin County and the Navy community continue to mourn, the legacy of this remarkable couple will endure, reminding all of the courage, strength, and kindness that defined their lives. In the words of one Navy tribute: “Til Valhalla, my brother and sister—your spirit lives on in all of us.”
