The town of Garner, North Carolina, is reeling after a tragic crash claimed the life of 38-year-old Patrick Trevathan on Thursday morning.
The collision occurred just after 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of White Oak Road and Timber Drive and has left a family grieving, a community shaken, and serious questions about reckless driving and road safety.
According to Garner Police, the crash was caused by 41-year-old Michael Roberts, who was driving a high-performance Dodge Viper at an excessive speed when he lost control of the vehicle.
Investigators said Roberts’ car flipped over the median and collided with two other vehicles—a Mitsubishi sedan driven by Trevathan and a Toyota SUV operated by an unnamed woman. The impact was catastrophic.
Patrick Trevathan, who was behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said that despite life-saving efforts, there was nothing more that could be done. Trevathan’s sudden and violent passing has left his loved ones devastated.
He was remembered by those close to him as a kind, hardworking man with a gentle spirit and a love for life. Friends and family are now struggling to make sense of this senseless tragedy.
The driver of the Toyota SUV involved in the crash was miraculously unharmed, a fact that police described as “incredibly fortunate” given the force of the collision.
However, the emotional scars of being caught in such a traumatic event will likely remain with her for a long time. Michael Roberts, the driver of the Dodge Viper, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to WakeMed Raleigh for treatment.
Garner Police stated that Roberts was cooperative with investigators at the scene and throughout the follow-up process. They also clarified that there was no evidence of impairment due to alcohol or drugs, though the crash was clearly preventable.
Roberts has since been cited with multiple charges, including:
Misdemeanor death by vehicle
Careless and reckless driving
Failure to maintain lane control
Exceeding the posted speed limit
Failure to reduce speed
While these charges do not carry the same weight as felony charges, they reflect the serious consequences of his actions and underscore the risks of reckless behavior on the road. Legal proceedings will likely follow, but for Trevathan’s loved ones, no sentence can bring him back.
Residents in the Garner area have voiced growing concerns about speeding on White Oak Road, particularly near the busy Timber Drive intersection. Thursday’s crash has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased efforts to promote safe driving behavior.
The community is mourning, but also demanding change so that no other family must suffer a similar loss. A memorial has begun to take shape near the crash site. Flowers, handwritten notes, and candles have been placed by friends, family, and even strangers who were moved by the tragedy.
Tributes on social media have poured in for Patrick Trevathan, many describing him as a thoughtful friend, a loving family member, and a man who always tried to do the right thing.
As Garner Police continue their investigation and the legal process unfolds, the most important thing now is honoring Patrick’s memory and supporting those he leaves behind.
His life was cut short in a crash that never should have happened, and his story is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of speeding and the responsibility every driver has to protect others on the road.
May Patrick Trevathan rest in peace, and may his memory serve as a powerful call for safer streets and more responsible driving.
