In a devastating single-vehicle crash on December 13, 2025, two men lost their lives on NC-411 east of Garland in Sampson County, North Carolina. The incident occurred just after 6:30 p.m. when a 2006 Toyota Sequoia veered off the road at high speed. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol described it as one of the most severe wrecks of the year.
The driver, 33-year-old Marcedo Allen McNeil of Stedman, was traveling eastbound when the SUV ran off the road to the right. He overcorrected, causing the vehicle to cross the centerline and strike a ditch. It then collided with a utility pole, downing power lines, before slamming into a large tree and erupting in flames.
Passenger Reginald K. Howard, 39, of Harrells, also perished in the intense blaze. Emergency responders arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed, preventing any rescue efforts. The impact was so severe that seat belt usage could not be determined.
The crash brought heartbreak to families in Stedman and Harrells communities. Neighbors reported hearing a loud engine roar followed by silence. Garland Fire & Rescue assisted at the scene, expressing condolences to the affected loved ones.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues investigating the cause, citing excessive speed as a primary factor. No other vehicles were involved. Power outages resulted from the downed lines in the rural area.
No verified details on the victims’ education, professional backgrounds, family life, hobbies, or lifestyles are available from public sources at this time. The communities mourn the sudden loss of these two residents. Authorities remind drivers to adhere to speed limits for safety.