Daniel Hodge Obituary, Death: Winston-Salem police investigating fatal crash on North Point Boulevard

Daniel Hodge Obituary, Death – A deadly crash that occurred late Thursday night in Winston-Salem is currently under investigation by local law enforcement. The incident, which involved two vehicles, resulted in the death of an elderly man and left a woman with serious injuries.

According to the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD), officers were dispatched to the scene of a two-vehicle collision on North Point Boulevard just before 10 p.m. on Thursday night. Upon arrival, officers found that the crash involved a 2007 Honda and a 2004 Kia.

Initial findings from the investigation indicate that the 2007 Honda was traveling eastbound along North Point Boulevard when it collided with the driver’s side of the Kia, which was pulling out of a private driveway at the time. The impact from the crash caused significant damage and led to tragic consequences for the occupants of the Kia.

Authorities have identified the driver of the Honda as 21-year-old Jaciel Reyes. The driver of the Kia was 79-year-old Daniel Hodge. Both drivers had one passenger each in their vehicles at the time of the crash.

Emergency responders pronounced Daniel Hodge dead at the scene. His passenger, 81-year-old Janice Bowman, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. No further updates on her condition have been released at this time.

Fortunately, Reyes and his passenger in the Honda were not injured in the crash. Police did not report any signs of impairment or reckless driving by Reyes at this point in the investigation.

The WSPD Traffic Enforcement Unit has taken over the investigation to determine exactly how the crash occurred and whether any charges may be filed. Officers are examining all aspects of the incident, including vehicle speeds, visibility at the time of the collision, and whether either driver failed to yield or obey traffic laws.

As part of their ongoing work, investigators will likely assess data from the vehicles, speak with witnesses, and analyze any available surveillance footage from nearby properties or traffic cameras.

The area where the crash occurred, North Point Boulevard, is a well-traveled road in Winston-Salem and features a mix of commercial properties, residential driveways, and side streets. Accidents in such locations often raise concerns about line-of-sight visibility, signage, lighting conditions, and traffic flow patterns—particularly when vehicles enter or exit driveways along busy thoroughfares.

Thursday night’s fatal collision has left the local community in mourning, especially those who knew and loved Daniel Hodge. While police have not released many personal details about the victim, it is clear that his sudden death has had a significant impact.

WSPD has not yet indicated whether weather conditions played a role in the incident or whether distractions, such as mobile phone use, are being considered in their analysis.

Public safety officials often remind drivers to use extra caution at night when visibility is reduced and the risk of accidents increases, especially at intersections or points where vehicles are turning or merging into traffic.

While investigations into crashes like this one can take time, police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could aid the investigation to come forward. Individuals with dash camera footage or who were in the area around 10 p.m. Thursday are especially encouraged to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit.

The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly everyday actions—such as pulling out of a driveway—can turn tragic. For older drivers, age-related changes in reaction time, vision, and hearing can increase the risks of driving, particularly at night or in high-traffic areas. However, accidents like this one can happen to anyone and highlight the importance of defensive driving, situational awareness, and roadway caution for drivers of all ages.

As Janice Bowman remains hospitalized, the community is hoping for her recovery. Meanwhile, traffic officers continue piecing together the events that led to this crash in an effort to understand what happened and to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

No charges have been filed as of yet, and authorities have not commented on whether they anticipate any legal consequences stemming from the collision. More details will likely emerge as the investigation progresses and the WSPD finalizes its report.

This tragic event marks another reminder of the fragility of life on the road and the importance of driving with care, especially when entering or crossing major roads. The Winston-Salem Police Department continues to stress the need for all motorists to remain alert, follow traffic regulations, and be especially mindful in areas where vehicles may be entering or exiting driveways.