Preliminary investigation indicates impairment was not a factor in crash which killed child

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A preliminary investigation into a deadly crash Tuesday in Brunswick County has indicated impairment to not be a factor, according to the NC Highway Patrol.

Highway Patrol says misdemeanor death by vehicle cases always entail an examination of the defendant’s blood as a formality.

A 5-year-old child was killed in the single-vehicle-wreck after being ejected.

The Highway Patrol says the van ran off the road to the right and struck a metal guardrail on the shoulder. The child was ejected out the passenger side – sliding door – window.  Highway Patrol says the driver continued eastbound about a half mile before realizing the passenger had been ejected.

Amanda Wright Bridgers was the child’s mother, and was arrested for misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, along with fail to maintain lane, careless and reckless, child restraint violation, misdemeanor child abuse and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.

The investigation remains ongoing and a finalized crash report will be available in the coming weeks.