Honda Civic he drove was struck while turning onto Croomsbridge Road
March 20, 2026 | Burgaw, NC
Waylon James Mitchell, an 18-year-old from Pender County, lost his life in a devastating crash between his Honda Civic and a commercial log truck near Burgaw. The incident occurred as Mitchell attempted a turn from North Carolina Highway 53 onto Croomsbridge Road around 7:44 p.m.
Authorities from the North Carolina State Patrol reported that Jonathan Lloyd Swinson, 30, was operating the empty log truck that collided with the Civic. Swinson faces charges of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and failure to reduce speed to avoid the accident.
Waylon Mitchell, 18, died after a Honda Civic was struck by a tractor-trailer on North Carolina Highway 53 near Croomsbridge Road in Pender County.
Mitchell was remembered as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed turkey hunting and setting catfish lines. He cherished time with his family, friends, and girlfriend, Jasmine Stolley.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision unfolded when Mitchell's Honda Civic was turning off NC 53. Key details include:
- Location: Intersection of North Carolina Highway 53 and Croomsbridge Road, near Burgaw, North Carolina.
- Date and Time: March 20, approximately 7:44 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: 2010s-era Honda Civic driven by Mitchell, and empty commercial log truck driven by Swinson.
- Outcome: Mitchell suffered fatal injuries at the scene, and Swinson was uninjured.
- Investigating Agency: North Carolina State Patrol.
This tragic accident highlights the dangers of highway turns, especially during evening hours when visibility can be reduced.
Why Do Semi-Truck Accidents Happen?
Several factors often contribute to crashes involving large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks and log trucks. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue from long hours on the road.
- Loss of vehicle control due to speed or road conditions.
- Mechanical failures in braking systems or tires.
- Failure to yield or reduce speed in intersections.
In cases such as this, a thorough investigation is essential to determine liability and prevent future incidents.
Accident Statistics
Large truck crashes pose significant risks on U.S. roadways. Below is a summary of key data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Year |
Fatalities in Large Truck Crashes |
Percentage Increase from Prior Year |
Victims in Other Vehicles (%) |
|---|
2020 |
4,965 |
Not Available |
70 |
2021 |
5,788 |
17% |
72 |
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System. These figures underscore the growing concern over commercial vehicle safety, with most victims being occupants of passenger cars.
Legal Insights
Newsline consulted national analysts for a perspective on motor vehicle crashes involving commercial trucks. Their insights emphasize the complexities of such incidents.
“Tractor-trailer crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “A skilled attorney can protect a grieving family from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver. Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring witnesses, conducting driver background checks, locating witnesses to the crash and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding you through the legal process.”
Key takeaways from analyst discussions on commercial truck collisions:
- Independent investigations are crucial to counter corporate defenses.
- Families may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional harm.
- Trucking regulations require compliance checks on driver logs and vehicle maintenance.
Potential Wrongful Death Claim
Following the ongoing investigation, the family of Waylon James Mitchell could be eligible for a wrongful death claim. Such claims allow recovery for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience in commercial trucking accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you need legal support.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).