Home / Disasters and Accidents / Wrong-Way Driver Kills Wilmington Man on I-140
Wrong-Way Driver Kills Wilmington Man on I-140
13 Jul
Summary
- A wrong-way driver caused a fatal head-on collision.
- The incident occurred early morning on July 12, 2026.
- The 52-year-old wrong-way driver faces multiple charges.
A tragic head-on collision on Interstate 140 in New Hanover County resulted in the death of a Wilmington man and left another critically injured. The incident occurred around 4:50 a.m. on July 12, 2026.
Timothy Bradford, 23, of Wilmington, was traveling westbound when a black Jeep truck, driven by 52-year-old William Raybourn of Belville, collided with his vehicle. Raybourn was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes at an estimated 80 mph.
Authorities cited Raybourn's wrong-way driving as the cause of the fatal crash. Weather and visibility were clear at the time. Raybourn has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving to endanger, driving the wrong way on a dual-lane highway, and exceeding the speed limit.
Raybourn was transported to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and was in critical condition as of July 13, 2026. The Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision.
