Authorities Identify Victim In Deadly Accident Near Wake/Harnett Line

ANGIER, N.C. — The Highway Patrol believes a sleepy driver may have caused a deadly head-on collision early Monday morning in Wake County.

Authorities said that at around 5:20 a.m., 41-year-old Runnette Ethridge drifted across the center line on Highway 55 near Kennebec Church Road and hit a vehicle driven by 60-year-old Valene Jones.

Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. Ethridge is listed in serious condition at WakeMed.

Investigators said Ethridge may have fallen asleep at the wheel before the accident. Ethridge has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving.

Authorities closed off a portion of Highway 55 in the area while crews cleared the wreckage.