Mother, Son Die in Christmas Day Wreck

Wendell, N.C. — A mother and son were killed Monday while on their way to visit family for Christmas, authorities said.

Charles Burger Jr., Barbara Burger and their son Ivan Burger were driving from Hillsborough to Wilson for the holiday and were eastbound on Wendell Boulevard near the U.S. High 64 and U.S. Business 64 split Monday afternoon when they were involved in a head-on collision, authorities said.

A westbound 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Billy Ray Bullock Jr. , 35, of Raleigh, spun out of control, crossed the median and collided with the 1998 Chevrolet passenger van driven by Charles Burger, authorities said.

Ivan Burger, 20, and Barbara Burger, 57, were killed in the wreck. Charles Burger, a well-known landscape architect in Orange County, was taken to WakeMed, where he was listed in critical condition Tuesday evening, authorities said.

Bullock was treated at WakeMed and released on Monday.

Ivan Burger wasn't wearing a seatbelt, but both of his parents were, authorities said.

No charges have been filed in the case, which remains under investigation.

Other members of the Burger family declined to discuss the accident Tuesday.

19 Comments

WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

VIEW ALL 19 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments

I think that Billy Ray needs to be held accountable for his actions. That's not to say that he's a bad person, it just means that he needs to face the facts. Nobody but Billy Ray decided how fast he would drive on Christmas day. And he chose to drive at a speed at which he could (obviously) not control his car. Its just that simple.

I hope that the courts impose a fair sentance. Fair to me would mean:

1. Loss of license for at least one year. 2. AT LEAST 30 days (of the 120 allowed) in Jail. 3. AT LEAST 240 hours of community service perhaps divided between: a. 80 hours at WakeMed's Critical Neuro waiting room b. 80 hours telling his story at drivers education classes c. 80 hours as a funeral home usher at head on car crash victim viewings

It seems that would be very fair and reasonable.

There's already been a huge tragedy. I hope the DA's office and the courts don't make another one by not imposing some real consequences to Billy Rays tragic choice to drive too f

jwitbltlwp
January 13, 2007 11:21 a.m.

Ivan was a very nice person, and his friendship and cheerful personality brought a lot of joy to my family over the years. This is a terrible loss for everyone who knew and loved Ivan, as well as for those who will never get the chance to.

lmarie
January 3, 2007 2:17 p.m.

to the burger family, as the brother of billy bullock i am would like to extend my heart to you all. My family, and church are praying for your father and relatives. losing a love one no matter how is never easy and on christmas day just adds to the pain. I would like to thank all of the comments and support from friends and family. No matter what the outcome no amount of "justice" can over shadow what both parties will have to go through the years to come. The burgers a painful reminder on christmas. my brother with the same memory. So to mrs janetsam unless you know the facts dont be so quick to judge. We all know you have been living a perfect life not causing anyone pain. And for you to look up someone files and put him out there like that on a public place shows a lot of disrepect. hurting people. the only difference is you are doing it on purpose. Know if he was an dwi or dui yes i can see. so to janetsam be careful, you never know what life brings, remember the golden rule. Do

scottiethescribe
December 30, 2006 10:27 p.m.

I would like to send all my love out to Jeremy, Julia & Sylvia. I am truly sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies also go out to the rest of the Burger family, Ivan's girlfriend, and anyone else feeling lost at this truly tragic even. Ivan was a great person, so grounded for a 20 year old. Barbara was a good womans and always wanted everyone to be the best they could be. I continue to pray for Charles that he may be at rest with whatever he is facing right now. God bless. Tammy Smith

tlsmith
December 28, 2006 10:45 a.m.

Like we had said earlier. We are here for you Billy and now I believe that this is turning out to be hateful and discriminating and I am not going to sit here and allow that especially to people who dont even know you. God decides when to carry his children home not us. So, if anyone has a problem with this I suggest that you learn to have faith and pray..... Carrie(Godsister)

daddysgirl2730
December 27, 2006 11:28 p.m.