Derrick Spruill Obituary, Death; Bertie County crash kills man after car strikes two trees

Derrick Spruill Obituary, Death – On Thursday evening, a fatal single-vehicle crash claimed the life of a Bertie County man, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m., around 8:55 p.m., along Ashland Church Road near the intersection with Black Rock Road.

Authorities identified the victim as 42-year-old Derrick Spruill, a resident of Merry Hill, North Carolina. Investigators say Spruill was behind the wheel of a 2003 Hyundai Sonata when the crash unfolded.

According to the Highway Patrol’s preliminary findings, Spruill’s vehicle first left the roadway under circumstances that remain under investigation. After veering off, the car struck a tree, causing significant impact damage. The collision did not bring the vehicle to a full stop; instead, Spruill managed to return to the roadway. However, upon re-entering, the Hyundai crossed the centerline into the opposite lane. The car then veered off the road again, hitting a second tree. The double impact proved fatal.

Emergency responders arrived quickly after reports of the crash, but despite their efforts, Spruill was pronounced dead at the scene. No other people were in the car at the time, eliminating the possibility of additional injuries.

Investigators noted that Spruill was not wearing a seatbelt when the incident occurred, a factor they believe may have contributed to the severity of his injuries. The Highway Patrol often stresses that seatbelt use can be a life-saving measure, particularly in single-vehicle crashes where occupants are at greater risk of being thrown forward or out of the vehicle.

Officials have not yet confirmed what caused Spruill to initially leave the roadway. They are examining possible contributing factors such as driver distraction, impairment, excessive speed, or mechanical failure. No adverse weather conditions were reported in the area at the time, suggesting the crash likely resulted from other circumstances.

The crash site, situated in a rural stretch of Ashland Church Road, is known to have limited lighting and few guardrails, which can increase hazards for drivers traveling at night. While the road was temporarily closed to allow emergency crews and investigators to work, it has since been reopened.

Local residents expressed sadness over the loss, noting that fatal accidents on that stretch of roadway, while not frequent, have occurred in the past. Friends and community members described Spruill as a familiar face in the Merry Hill area.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol will continue to investigate the crash, reviewing evidence from the scene and assessing damage to the vehicle to better understand the chain of events. Officials also plan to use their findings to remind motorists about the importance of safe driving practices — especially seatbelt use, staying alert, and maintaining full control of a vehicle at all times.

The incident serves as a tragic reminder of how quickly a drive can turn deadly, and authorities hope the case will reinforce the message that precautionary measures, such as buckling up, can significantly reduce the risk of fatal outcomes in similar accidents.