Two Lives Lost When Suspected Impaired Driver Hits Motorcycle

Two Lives Lost When Suspected Impaired Driver Hits Motorcycle

Troopers suspect the driver who hit a motorcycle early Sunday morning, killing two, was not only impaired, but using an iPod as well.

Samuel Alan Brown II, driving a white Chevrolet pickup, crossed the center line on N.C. Highway 82, near the Averasboro Civil War Battleground, hitting a motorcycle head-on.

Both the driver and passenger on the motorcycle, Christopher Smith, 27, and Ashli Armstrong, 20, died in the accident.

Any accident scene is tragic for EMS workers, but when you are called to one of your own, it can be devastating. Armstrong was a volunteer with the Dunn Emergency Services for more than a year, according to Chief Austin Tew.

Smith left behind two children, a son, 5, and a daughter, 2.

A witness, Tim Bezgela was riding his motorcycle with Smith and Armstrong. Bezgela said there was nothing anyone could do.

Brown, 25, of Coats was charged with two counts of felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, driving left of center and careless and reckless driving.

Brown was arrested and held in the Harnett County jail under a $100,000.00 bond.