Rex Powell Death News: FedEx Driver Charged in Fatal Burke County Rollover Crash

Rex Powell Death News – A tragic collision in Burke County led to the death of a local man and charges against a FedEx delivery truck driver, according to reports from state troopers. The incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, May 1, and involved two vehicles at the intersection of North Carolina Highway 181 and Bowman Avenue in Morganton.

Authorities have identified the FedEx driver as 27-year-old Talmadge Belcher from Lenoir. He now faces charges of misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to yield the right of way, stemming from his role in the crash.

The victim in the accident has been identified as 67-year-old Rex Powell, a resident of Morganton. Officials confirmed that Powell was killed when his car overturned after being struck by Belcher’s truck.

The crash occurred shortly after 1:20 p.m. According to the preliminary investigation, Belcher was at a stop sign on Bowman Avenue and attempted to cross over NC-181. As he entered the intersection, his FedEx truck collided with Powell’s vehicle. The impact forced Powell’s car into a guardrail, where it rolled over, resulting in fatal injuries.

Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Powell was pronounced dead at the scene. Belcher was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of what troopers described as minor injuries.

State troopers conducted an initial investigation at the scene, examining road conditions, vehicle positions, and taking witness statements. Their findings led to the charges against Belcher, whose failure to yield is believed to have caused the deadly collision.

In response to the crash, authorities closed off portions of Highway 181 to allow emergency and law enforcement crews to assess the situation and clear the roadway. The closure lasted for about two hours before the route was fully reopened.

The crash has raised concerns about safety at the intersection where the incident took place. NC-181 is a well-traveled road, and accidents at or near intersections are not uncommon. While no other vehicles were involved in this crash, the fatal outcome highlights the potential consequences of failing to follow right-of-way rules.

Misdemeanor death by vehicle, the charge Belcher faces, is a serious offense in North Carolina. It typically applies in cases where a person unintentionally causes another’s death while committing a traffic violation that is not considered grossly negligent or reckless. The legal process will now determine how the case proceeds and what penalties Belcher may face if convicted.

As of now, no court date has been announced, and it is unclear whether Belcher has secured legal representation. FedEx has not released a public statement regarding the incident or whether Belcher remains employed with the company following the crash.

For the family and friends of Rex Powell, the news has brought grief and shock. Powell, a longtime Morganton resident, is being remembered as a kind and community-oriented individual. No additional details about his personal life or funeral arrangements have been released at this time.

Motorists in the area were advised to avoid the crash site on Thursday afternoon due to the road closure. Detours were set up while crews worked to investigate and clear the wreckage. The swift response from emergency services helped restore traffic flow later in the day.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly when it comes to yielding at intersections. A moment’s error in judgment can lead to irreversible outcomes. Law enforcement continues to urge drivers to remain alert and cautious, especially when entering busy roadways from side streets or stop signs.

As the investigation wraps up, state troopers will submit a complete report, which could include further details on speed, visibility, and whether any other factors contributed to the crash. Toxicology results, if relevant, may also be part of the final findings.

In the coming weeks, the case will likely move through the local court system. The community will be watching closely as authorities work to determine accountability and any possible consequences for the driver involved.

While the legal process unfolds, the crash has already had a profound impact on those connected to the victim and has once again underscored the life-or-death stakes that can come with a single traffic decision.