Brandon Carpenter Obituary, Death: Sanitation worker struck and killed by vehicle in Lincoln County.

Brandon Carpenter Obituary, Death – A tragic accident unfolded in Lincoln County on the night of Tuesday, April 29, when a sanitation worker was fatally struck by a car while performing his duties. Authorities with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed the identity of the victim as 35-year-old Brandon Carpenter of Dallas, North Carolina. The incident has deeply impacted the local community, and an investigation is ongoing.

The crash occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. along North Carolina Highway 27, close to the intersection with Highway 150 in Lincolnton. According to troopers, Carpenter was working near the rear of a Mack garbage truck, which had been stopped in the travel lane of the highway. While the truck was stationary, a Toyota Camry approached from behind and struck Carpenter.

The driver of the Camry was identified as 35-year-old Danica Borders, a resident of Lincolnton. Troopers reported that Borders did not slow down adequately as she neared the garbage truck, which led to the collision with Carpenter. Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Carpenter to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of paramedics and medical staff, Carpenter later succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the crash.

The driver, Borders, has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to reduce speed, both of which are serious offenses under North Carolina law. At this time, law enforcement officials have stated that impairment is not believed to have been a factor in the accident. No other injuries were reported from the scene, and the incident appears to have only involved the worker and the driver.

Following the collision, authorities closed down a portion of Highway 27 for about two hours to conduct an on-scene investigation. Traffic was diverted during that period while troopers gathered evidence, took photographs, and spoke with witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events. The closure allowed investigators to thoroughly examine the scene in hopes of understanding how such a tragic situation could occur and how it might be prevented in the future.

Sanitation work is often conducted in dangerous roadside environments, particularly during early morning or late evening hours when visibility can be poor. Crews typically rely on reflective gear, flashing lights, and signs to alert drivers to their presence, but despite these precautions, road crews remain at risk. Carpenter’s death highlights the ongoing dangers faced by workers in sanitation and other roadside service jobs.

The community of Dallas and neighboring Lincolnton are mourning the loss of Carpenter, described by those who knew him as a hardworking individual committed to his job and his family. Social media posts and local tributes have begun to appear as news of his passing spreads, with many expressing heartbreak over the sudden and preventable loss of life. Fellow sanitation workers, in particular, have voiced concern and frustration, noting the continued hazards they face each day on the job.

Brandon Carpenter’s death has prompted renewed calls for increased awareness and caution from drivers when encountering roadside workers. Public safety officials continue to urge motorists to slow down, remain alert, and move over when possible upon approaching work vehicles or personnel along highways. North Carolina, like many other states, has a “Move Over” law requiring drivers to reduce speed and switch lanes when passing stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles.

While the investigation is ongoing, the charges filed against Borders indicate that authorities believe her failure to reduce speed played a direct role in the fatal incident. A misdemeanor death by vehicle charge typically arises when a person unintentionally causes someone’s death through a traffic violation, and while not classified as a felony, it carries serious legal consequences, including possible jail time and the loss of driving privileges.

State Highway Patrol troopers will likely continue reviewing evidence, including dashcam footage if available, witness statements, and the results of the mechanical inspection of the involved vehicle. These findings will help determine whether additional charges are warranted and how the legal process will proceed in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, Carpenter’s family is left to grieve the loss of a loved one who died while performing his everyday duties. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon, and local leaders may consider holding a memorial to honor his service and to raise awareness about road safety for essential workers.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike when road safety precautions are not followed. As authorities work through the legal aspects of the case, the broader message remains clear: roadside workers deserve to feel safe while doing their jobs, and it is the responsibility of every motorist to help ensure that safety by staying alert and slowing down.

Anyone with additional information about the crash is encouraged to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Meanwhile, communities across Lincoln County are reflecting on how to better protect the people who serve them every day—from sanitation workers to emergency responders—and how one moment of inattention can change lives forever.