Raleigh, NC (June 28, 2026) - As per local news reporting and statements from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a crash on I-87 southbound in Wake County left one person dead and another person seriously injured on Sunday evening.

Authorities reported that the crash happened around 6:30 p.m. near mile marker 11. According to the Highway Patrol, Derick Dewayne Wright, 29, of Raleigh, was outside his disabled 2019 Ford Mustang on the shoulder after an earlier collision. Dante Moliek Barnes, 33, of Wendell, had stopped in a Honda CR-V to help Wright and was also outside a vehicle when both men were struck.

Local reports state that Wimandre Anton Hendricks, 33, of Raleigh, was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro when he lost control, ran off the roadway, and went onto the shoulder. Troopers reported that the Camaro struck both men and both vehicles. Wright died at the scene. Barnes was taken to WakeMed with life-threatening injuries.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that rainy conditions were present at the time of the crash. Troopers cited speed greater than was reasonable for the weather conditions, and reports also noted unsafe tires as a contributing factor. Impairment was not suspected, according to local reporting, though court documents stated that Hendricks refused a blood alcohol test after the crash.

Hendricks was charged with eight offenses, including involuntary manslaughter, misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, reckless driving resulting in serious injury, exceeding a safe speed for conditions, no operator’s license, expired registration, expired inspection, and unsafe tires. Court records also referenced prior traffic offenses, including a previous DWI charge and past charges involving driving without a license after revocation for impaired driving.

Hendricks was taken to WakeMed in Garner for evaluation and was expected to be taken to the Wake County Detention Center. A judge set his secured bond at $250,000 during a Monday court appearance. I-87 reopened at approximately 9:30 p.m. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continued investigating the crash.

What Happens After A Serious Raleigh Car Accident Is Reported

After a serious vehicle collision is reported, the next steps often involve several layers of review. Investigators may examine roadway conditions, vehicle condition, witness statements, medical records, and any available documentation from the scene. Insurance carriers may also begin separate reviews, especially when more than one vehicle, one injured person, or a prior collision is involved.

In a serious car accident, medical assessments frequently help confirm the extent of injuries and the type of care that may be needed over time. Those records can also become important when families or injured people later need to discuss with a car accident lawyer treatment costs, missed work, and longer-term recovery concerns.

When overlapping insurance policies are involved, the process can become more detailed. Coverage questions may depend on who owned each vehicle, whether the injured person was driving, riding, assisting at the scene, or standing outside a vehicle, and how each insurer interprets the available facts. A clear record of what happened, what injuries were diagnosed, and what expenses followed can help organize the review.

Practical Help For Raleigh Families After A Car Accident

After the investigation and insurance review begin, many families still have practical questions about medical bills, lost income, settlement timing, and whether further action may be considered. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers helps injured people and families understand how car accident claims are evaluated, what information may affect settlement discussions, and how to make informed decisions without feeling rushed. As Attorney Corey Rosensteel often explains, “The early questions matter because they shape how people understand the road ahead. A good conversation can help a family see what information is missing and what steps may need attention next.”