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Durham man killed, 3 injured in Wake Forest head-on crash

A 53-year-old man died and three others were injured late Saturday after two vehicles crashed head-on near the intersection of Mitchell Mill Road and Watkins Road in Wake Forest.

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One dead, three injured in Wake Forest wreck
WAKE FOREST, N.C. — A 53-year-old man died and three others were injured late Saturday after two vehicles crashed head-on near the intersection of Mitchell Mill Road and Watkins Road in Wake Forest.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Frank Santamaria, of Durham, was driving a 1988 Mercedes sedan east on Mitchell Mill Road at about 10:30 p.m. when he crossed the center line to pass another vehicle.

Santamaria attempted to pass, he hit a 2008 Ford Taurus-X driven by Joshua Smith, a 30-year-old from Avon Park, Fla.

Smith had two passengers in his Ford, 34-year-old Victoria Black, and 5-year-old Jason Smith, who are also from Avon Park.

Smith and his son suffered serious injuries, and Black was critically hurt, officials said. All three were taken to a local hospital.

Santamaria was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers said Santamaria passed illegally prior to the crash. Speed was also a factor in the incident.

Investigators also said Smith had consumed alcohol prior to the crash. He has been charged with driving while impaired and failure to use a proper child restraint system.

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