Eric Dugger Obituary, Death Cause; Driver charged in Catawba County crash that killed motorcyclist, troopers say.
Eric Dugger Obituary, Death Cause – A deadly crash in Catawba County has left one man dead and another facing charges, according to authorities. The accident happened Tuesday afternoon and involved a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle.
Troopers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that the victim was 34-year-old Eric Dugger, a Newton resident. Dugger tragically died from his injuries at the scene of the crash, despite the efforts of first responders.
The driver of the other vehicle, identified as 55-year-old Troy Griffith of Cumming, Georgia, has since been charged in connection with the collision. According to officials, Griffith faces charges of misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to yield the right of way, violations that authorities say directly contributed to the crash.
What happened
The collision occurred at approximately 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, on Highway 10 near Shiloh Road in Claremont. Troopers reported that Griffith, who was driving a passenger vehicle, attempted to make a left turn from Shiloh Road. While doing so, he collided with Dugger, who was traveling along Highway 10 on his motorcycle.
The impact was fatal for Dugger, who died at the crash site before he could be transported for medical treatment. Griffith, on the other hand, did not sustain any injuries in the wreck.
Following the investigation, troopers determined that neither speed nor impairment—two common factors in serious collisions—played a role in this incident. Instead, the wreck appears to have stemmed from Griffith’s failure to yield properly while attempting the left turn.
Community impact
The sudden loss of Dugger has left family, friends, and the Newton community in mourning. Motorcycle fatalities are often particularly devastating, as riders have far less protection than drivers of enclosed vehicles. Local advocates have long stressed the importance of motorists watching carefully for motorcycles, especially at intersections where visibility and timing are crucial.
This crash is yet another reminder of the dangers motorcyclists face on the road and the need for all drivers to exercise caution when making turns or entering traffic. Law enforcement agencies across North Carolina have frequently urged drivers to “look twice, save a life,” highlighting how quickly accidents like this can turn deadly.
Legal process
Griffith was formally charged following the investigation and will now face the legal consequences of the crash. The charge of misdemeanor death by vehicle is applied in cases where a driver’s violation of traffic laws results in a fatality but does not involve impairment. While less severe than felony charges, it still carries significant penalties, including fines and potential jail time.
As the legal process unfolds, Dugger’s family and loved ones are left to cope with the devastating reality of his sudden passing. For now, troopers continue to emphasize safe driving practices to help prevent similar tragedies on North Carolina roads.
