Wife mourns death of Smithfield crash victim

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A Smithfield woman who lost her husband of 32 years in a crash Sunday night says she's relying on faith to cope with the tragedy.

"I love the Lord. He's going to carry me through," said Nancy Rose, whose husband Ralph Lee Rose, 84, died in a crash at the intersection of Buffalo Road and U.S. Highway 70 in Johnston County.

Ralph Rose's pickup truck was facing west on Highway 70 when a motorcycle, traveling north on Buffalo Road, crashed into it, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. All three people involved in the crash – Ralph Rose, motorcycle driver Rickey Perry Mooneyhan and motorcycle rider Jennifer Sabato – were killed.

Troopers said the crash is still under investigation, but it appeared that Ralph Rose failed to yield and that Mooneyhan was speeding.

Nancy Rose said Monday that her husband had just dropped off his great-grandson and eaten dinner with family before heading toward home around 7:20 p.m.

Ralph Rose, his wife said, worked for the state for more than three decades before retiring. With his free time, he enjoyed working on race cars.

Neighbors of Mooneyhan and Sabato, who lived together in Selma, said the two were dating and were nice people who enjoyed motorcycles. Sabato leaves behind a young daughter.

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Latest Comments

"LOOK TWICE AND SAVE A LIFE!!!!!" worked with Mrs. Rose at Walmart... very nice lady. Prayers and thoughts to her family. and to Colonel_Anges.... families do read the comments, and people need to realize that. they are entitled to opinions, but if you were NOT at the scene when it happened, then all it is is heresay. i had to go thru the same stuff when wral posted a story about my husband when he died.

2gurlz2boyzMom
October 24, 2012 6:52 p.m.

"At this point it's not really a matter of who's at fault. It's a time to give prayers for all whom have/are affected by this tragedy" -Average Everyday-

I totally agree with you. Three people lost their lives in this horrific ACCIDENT. I hope the families do not read these comments. Some are just ridiculous and immature.

Colonel_Anges
October 23, 2012 5:49 p.m.

BubbaDukeforPresident....if you were not there stop placing blame. Let the investigators do their jobs. As the Granddaughter of the truck driver & a member of the motorcycle community it is a huge loss for all parties involve. I know the pain the others families are feeling. Having people point fingers & place blame does nothing for the families involved, but make the situation harder. So, please EVERYONE let the investigation run its course & allow the families to take this time to grieve in piece.

albridges206
October 23, 2012 4:51 p.m.

At this point it's not really a matter of who's at fault. It's a time to give prayers for all whom have/are affected by this tragedy.

RaisinCake
October 23, 2012 3:41 p.m.

feistyredhead2001, just where does it say that? I'm reading

"Troopers said the crash is still under investigation, but it appeared that Ralph Rose failed to yield and that Mooneyham was speeding"

It does matter because everyone is wanting to place blame on the truck driver. He was not at fault. My parents watched this happen. You're telling me that WRAL posted speed was not a factor when the 3 witnesses told Officers that the cycles WERE speeding? Maybe WRAL should get statements from the winesses themselves. Regardless, I hope everyone will be more careful near cycles and those riding motorcycles will be cautious of everyone else.

bugaboo8302
October 23, 2012 2:53 p.m.