Authorities in Wilson County, North Carolina, are investigating a devastating head-on collision that claimed the life of a 6-year-old boy and left his father and younger sister seriously injured. The tragic incident has shaken the local community and prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The collision occurred on Monday afternoon, April 27, at approximately 3:48 p.m. along Bridgersville Road near Haynes Road, just east of Elm City. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a 2022 Toyota Corolla driven by 31-year-old Jonathan M. Hardison crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2024 Toyota Sequoia traveling in the opposite direction.
Hardison had his two children in the vehicle at the time. Authorities reported that the 6-year-old boy was not properly restrained and was partially ejected during the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His 7-year-old sister and Hardison were airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, where they are being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Sequoia, 40-year-old Gina W. Bridgers, along with two children in her vehicle, were not injured. Following a preliminary investigation, Hardison has been charged with driving while impaired, driving left of center, and failing to properly restrain a child passenger. A fundraiser has been launched to support the family with medical and funeral expenses. As the community mourns, officials continue to investigate this heartbreaking tragedy.
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