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9:45 p.m. • 2-10-12

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Father Injured in Christmas Wreck Dies


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A man who was critically injured in a Christmas Day wreck that killed his wife and son died Wednesday.

Charles Burger Jr., a well-known landscape architect in Orange County, had been in WakeMed since the Dec. 25 accident on Wendell Boulevard.

Burger, his wife, Barbara Burger, and their son, Ivan Burger, were driving from Hillsborough to Wilson for the holiday when a westound Chevy Tahoe spun out of control, crossed the center median and collided head-on with their passenger van.

Barbara Burger, 57, and Ivan Burger, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Billy Ray Bullock Jr. , 35, of Raleigh, the driver of the Tahoe, suffered minor injuries in the wreck.

Bullock issued a public apology to the family this week, but said he doesn't remember the accident.

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

RELATED TOPICS: Hillsborough, Raleigh, Wendell, Orange County

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Mr. Burgers tragic death along with the tragic deaths of his wife Barbara and son Ivan come back to one simple fact. Billy Ray Bullock was driving too fast for the conditions and he lost control of his car.

I feel sorry for Billy Ray because he has to live with three Christmas Day deaths on his hands for the rest of his life.

I also believe in our justice system and hope that there are real and tangible consequences to go along with Billy Ray's choice to drive too fast.

Everyone says why wasn't the barrier repaired? Why didn't the officers that filled out the report on the earlier accident email or radio someone to fix it? Why do you see smashed barriers all around Raleigh? Why do you see bumpers and car parts left at accident scenes all around the beltline and 540? Why are signal lights burned out all over town and stay that way for weeks? Don't the cops have radios and computers and cell phones too? Do the sergeants ever leave the office? Who do they expect to report this, the trash men?

I agree that we should not be judgemental and pray for both families involved. Charlie was an active deacon at our church and his family LIVED their faith. They were a good example to all of us. Christ told us 70 times 7.

All of our hearts go out to the Burger family. But, I believe that no matter what the driving record for Billy is that the speed of both vehicles combined is what caused such a severe impact. I also believe if Mr. Burger's son was wearing his seatbelt he may have survived the accident. Were there any skids marks from the Burger vehicle? These are all questions that only God knows the answers to. Nobody thinks that Billy's supporters are trying to sway the public opinion, we are simply showing support for our loved one as the Burger's family and friends are doing for them. Everybody involved are in our prayers. We just don't wan't to see that there is an injustice done in the matter. Please! I am asking for you all not to judgemental, just be caring for all involved. It is hurting enough people on both sides. This needs to stop. God Bless!

Billy Ray's friends can give support privately if that is all they were trying to do but what they 'think' they are doing is swaying public opinion. Well, 10 past speeding tickets and the highway patrol stating he was probably speeding Christmas morning is what will sway the Judge and it that is what that reaLLY matters.

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