Brunswick County Sheriff speaks out about fatal car crash involving deputy
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A wooden cross and flowers now mark the spot where Cora Cartrette was killed in a crash at the intersection of Highway 17 and Ploof Road.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Cartrette was killed when a Brunswick County Sheriff’s Deputy, who was responding to a call, collided with Cartrette’s vehicle.
Investigators say she was turning left onto Ploof Road on her way to work at the nearby Chick-fil-A when the crash happened.
The deputy had his emergency lights and siren activated at the time.
Brunswick County Sheriff Brian Chism would not speak about the investigation into the crash, which is being led by the State Highway Patrol.
However, he said that he and his staff are deeply saddened by Cartrette’s death.
His office is cooperating with the investigation and incidents like this can lead to changes in how deputies operate.
“In every situation, whether good or bad, you can have a tragic accident or you can have 100% success, there are always opportunities to learn and to get better and we need to remember that,” Chism said. “And I think we do a good job of that. So everything will be looked at and always room for improvement.”
Cartrette’s former coworker, Corey Scott, remembers her as always having a smile on her face.
Scott, now owner of On Thyme Restaurant worked alongside her in the cafeteria at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
“She was like a very, very joyful person, always smiling, happy, very energetic,” Scott said. “You could tell that she didn’t stress a lot and a lot of stuff, a lot of things didn’t bother her, she was always happy. Loud, very talkative, and had a lot to say.”
Chism also extended his condolences to Cartrette’s family and friends.
“To send my condolences, my heart, thoughts, and prayers and I think I speak for everybody at the Sheriff’s Office.”
Chism added that the deputy involved injured his foot and underwent surgery at a nearby hospital.
First Sergeant Christopher Knox with the State Highway Patrol said their investigation could take weeks, even months to complete.
A celebration of life for Cartrette will be held on Saturday, February 22nd, from 2 to 4 pm at 525 Village Road in Leland.
