Troopers: Felony charges to be filed in fatal wreck

Smithfield, N.C. — The state Highway Patrol said Monday that a driver involved in a fatal collision late Saturday would be charged with a felony as soon as she is released from the hospital.

Authorities said Desiree Olsen, 29, of Clayton, was southbound on Buffalo Road in the Archer Lodge community Saturday night when she crossed the center line, slamming her pickup into a pickup driven by Shannon Nicole Adkins.

Adkins, 18, of Clayton, was killed in the wreck, which occurred two blocks from her parents' home.

Authorities said alcohol was a factor in the wreck and charged Olsen with driving while impaired. After meeting with prosecutors Monday, they said Olsen also would be charged with felony death by motor vehicle.

Olsen was listed in good condition Monday at WakeMed in Raleigh.

Adkins, who graduated from Clayton High School this year, did her senior project studying why Johnston County leads the state in auto-related teen deaths. Since 2006, more than 25 teens have died in wrecks on Johnston roads.

The rides and help provided by Johnston sheriff's deputies inspired her to study criminal justice, her mother said, noting Adkins was pursuing a criminal justice major at Wayne County Community College in Goldsboro.

A wake for Adkins is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, to be followed immediately by her funeral.