Two killed in wreck on U.S. 401

Louisburg, N.C. — Two people were killed Thursday when a pickup truck collided head-on with a Corvette on U.S. Highway 401 in Franklin County, authorities said.

The wreck occurred at about 10:45 a.m., about 4.5 miles south of Louisburg when the driver of a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado heading northbound went left of the center lane, striking the 1998 Corvette.

The Corvette's passengers, James Preston Holmes, 65, and Mary Charles Holmes, 65, of Louisburg, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The truck's driver, Louis Mahler Joyner, 21, of Louisburg, was taken to WakeMed with non-life-threatening injuries. He was treated and released.

Authorities said Joyner will be charged with two counts of misdemeanor death by vehicle. His court date is set for July 15.

The wreck remains under investigation.

State troopers said the victims were related but would not say how. Friends said the two were married.