Man charged in fatal July car crash on I-140 in New Hanover County

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — William Francis Raybourn is facing misdemeanor charges following a fatal wrong way crash on Interstate 140 that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Timothy Hunter Bradford.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash happened back in July, when troopers were dispatched to a report of a wrong-way driver on I-140 near the U.S. 40 exit.

Investigators said Raybourn was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-140 when his vehicle collided head-on with another vehicle driven by Bradford.

Bradford died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Raybourn was transported to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center following the crash.

Raybourn is being charged with:

• Misdemeanor death by vehicle.
• Reckless driving to endanger.
• Wrong way on dual lane highway
• Exceeding posted speed limit.

According to court documents, an outstanding warrant for arrest exists against Raybourn for Felony Death by Vehicle and Driving While Impaired.