Clarkton man charged in crash that killed Columbus County deputy on U.S. 74/76

BOLTON, N.C. (WECT) - A Clarkton man was arrested Thursday after his tractor-trailer struck a patrol vehicle in an active work zone on US-74, killing a Columbus County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

David Samuel McPherson, 33, was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving and failure to reduce speed, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. He was transported to the Columbus County Law Enforcement Center.

The collision occurred at approximately 10:51 a.m. on June 25 near Hallsboro Road on westbound US-74, according to the State Highway Patrol.

Officials confirmed that a roadway striping crew was conducting paint operations in the right lane when McPherson’s tractor-trailer failed to reduce speed and struck the marked patrol vehicle from behind.

Deputy Damien Draper Bost, 30, of Nakina, was pronounced deceased at Columbus Regional Healthcare System, officials said.

The tractor-trailer then struck a bumper truck ahead of the patrol vehicle, injuring its 24-year-old operator. The operator was transported to an area hospital. Highway Patrol officials did not disclose the extent of his injuries.

McPherson’s tractor-trailer crossed the median and caught fire on the left side of US-74. McPherson was uninjured.

The State Highway Patrol Collision Reconstruction Unit is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

McPherson was issued a $100,000 secured bond. He is expected in court on Monday, Aug. 3.