Teen’s death sparks pickup debate

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The 17-year-old driver in a wreck that killed one teen and injured seven others is now facing charges. Joshua Coleman is charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and two violations of the graduated driver's license.

Three of the eight teens in the wreck were sitting in the bed of his truck, which in North Carolina is legal, though the state is one of 30 that has restrictions on passengers riding in cargo areas.

This weekend's crash, though, has some questioning whether the law needs to be updated.

"This is something that we should probably look at next year in the long session," Rep. Frank Iler of Brunswick County said. "See if something needs to be tightened up. I know people ride in the beds of trucks in rural areas on private property all the time, but we need to look at the laws concerning that on public roads."

The law allows anyone more than 16-years-old to sit in the bed of the truck. The three teens riding in the back were all over 16-years-old, including the victim, 17-year-old Tyrus Johnston.

Senator Bill Rabon thinks this accident may start a conversation.

"When tragedies occur, sometimes it opens our eyes. I'm sure this issue and many like this are something we should look into," Rabon said. "I would like to see us address this in oversight and at least talk about it and discuss it."