Ash, NC (September 09, 2026) - Mary Frances Long, 53, died at the scene of a head-on collision on N.C. 130 in Ash, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The Wednesday crash occurred in Brunswick County near Shallotte and the Columbus County line.

Troopers said Charlotte Russ Milligan, 54, of Ash, was driving a Jeep Liberty west when she crossed the centerline and struck Long’s oncoming 2023 Nissan Rogue. The crash was reported at 10:36 a.m. Milligan was injured, but the severity of her injuries was not specified.

Court records show Milligan was initially charged on Sept. 9 with misdemeanor death by vehicle, driving while impaired, driving with a revoked license for an impaired offense, and driving left of center. An aggravated felony death by vehicle charge was added on Sept. 13. She was arrested on that charge on Sept. 21 and given a $125,000 secured bond.

The arrest warrant alleges that impaired driving caused Long’s death. It also cites Milligan’s prior impaired-driving conviction in Brunswick County District Court on Dec. 8, 2025. According to an arrest affidavit, Milligan told investigators she had taken methadone before driving. The charges are allegations, not findings of guilt.

Long was from Crusoe Island and was known for baking and decorating cakes for weddings, birthdays and other events.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol identified the crash as under investigation in its reported account.

Losses Beyond Income After a Fatal Collision

Mary Long was remembered for baking and decorating cakes for weddings, birthdays and other occasions. Her death also leaves a personal loss that an earnings figure cannot fully describe.

North Carolina’s wrongful-death statute recognizes qualifying losses of income, services, care and companionship, as well as reasonable funeral expenses. Evaluating those losses requires information about the person’s life, relationships and contributions. The report does not establish whether Long earned income from baking or supported others financially.

A car accident law firm can explain which losses may be considered and what legal requirements apply. The reported charges do not by themselves establish a civil claim.

Discussing a Family’s Loss

A consultation can address the effects of the death on the family, the investigation and who has authority to pursue a potential wrongful-death action. The assessment should reflect the person’s actual contributions and the evidence supporting responsibility for the collision.