news-record.com

EDEN — One man was killed this morning when he was hit by a second driver who had swerved to avoid a small animal in the road.

The Highway Patrol identified the victim as Brandon David Watkins, 28, of Eden. He died in the 6:19 a.m. crash, which happened on N.C. 14 about sixth-tenths of a mile south of Bethlehem Church Road.

Watkins was driving south on N.C. 14 in a 1992 Ford Ranger when he was hit by a 1998 GMC Yukon that was going north when it crossed the center line and struck the front and side of the pickup truck. Both vehicles were in their respective left-hand lanes on the four-lane road.

Trooper Jonathan Moore said the Yukon's driver reported that he swerved to the left to miss a small animal.

Charges are pending against the Yukon's driver, 19-year-old Christopher Michael Joyce of Reidsville. Joyce was unhurt.

The trooper said that excessive speed, weather conditions and alcohol were not factors in the crash. Joyce was wearing a seatbelt. Watkins was not, but was not ejected from his truck.