RALEIGH – The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has released the names of the individuals who were injured and died in Sunday’s one-vehicle collision that occurred just outside the town of Garland.
The wreck occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on U.S. 701 south of Garland near the Sampson/Bladen counties line.
According to investigators, a white 2006 Toyota pickup truck was traveling south on U.S. 701 when it ran off onto the right shoulder. The vehicle then overturned before striking a tree. As a result of the collision, four occupants died and two others were seriously injured.
Those killed were:
— Karl Lamont Jones, 54, of Lakeland, Fla., who was driving the truck.
— Melquiades Ramirez, 24, of Harrells, a passenger in the back seat of the truck.
— Ricardo Ramirez, 21, of Harrells, a passenger in the back seat.
— Luis Felipe Rocha Madrigal, 24, of Harrells, a passenger in the back seat.
Those who were seriously injured and transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville were:
— Victor Manuel Lobaton Mendoza, 24, of Harrells, a passenger in the back seat.
— Rachel Gaulk, 29, of Harrells, a passenger in the front seat.
Investigators say alcohol was a contributing factor to the crash.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.