Wilmington driver now faces felony death by vehicle charge after crash victim dies

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington man is now facing a felony death by vehicle charge after a person injured in an Aug. 20 crash later died, according to New Hanover County court records.

Christopher Ryan Williams, 59, was originally charged with felony serious injury by vehicle, driving while impaired and failure to yield while making a left turn following the Aug. 20 crash.

Court records show the felony serious injury by vehicle charge was filed Aug. 21. A new case charging Williams with felony death by vehicle was filed Aug. 23, following the victim’s death.

The death by vehicle charge is listed as occurring on Aug. 20.

Williams was arrested Aug. 24 and appeared in court that same day. A judge set his bond at $100,000, which was posted later that night.

Court records indicate the original case carried a $50,000 secured bond. The newer death by vehicle case carries the $100,000 bond.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is listed as the investigating agency.

According to court records, Williams is scheduled to return to New Hanover County District Court on Sept. 10, 2026.