CLAYTON — A man who stopped to help some accident victims in Clayton is recovering from injuries suffered while directing others around the accident scene.

Police say James Melvin Edwards, 40, stopped to help two people who were hurt in an accident on Highway 70 Saturday morning. Edwards was trying to direct traffic in heavy fog when he was struck by a tractor-trailer and thrown more than 100 feet.

Edwards is at WakeMed with several broken bones, a fractured skull and a brain injury. His is now in stable condition.

His family says that he has no medical insurance.

His neighbors say he has always been a generous man who goes out of his way to help anyone in times of trouble. When neighbor Linda Kelley was having a tough time, Edwards bought Christmas presents for her children.

"Their family had me and the kids over, and they had a couch full of presents for us," she said.

A fund has been set up to help pay Edwards' medical expenses. Donations can be sent to:James Edwards Fundc/o Centura Bank10007 Highway 70 WestClayton, NC 27520Reporter:Stephanie HawcoRon Pittman