Fatal Rollover Crash on I-42 in North Carolina

Troopers say speed and alcohol were factors in the single-vehicle accident that killed one passenger.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:56pm

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A single-vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 42 in Johnston County, North Carolina early Friday morning resulted in the death of a 40-year-old Raleigh man. The driver, a 30-year-old Raleigh resident, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses including felony death by motor vehicle and driving while impaired.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have. It also raises questions about road safety and whether additional measures are needed to prevent such accidents, especially on high-speed highways.

The details

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 2:23 a.m. when a 2008 Ford Ranger traveling westbound ran off the road, overcorrected, and then overturned multiple times before coming to rest upright in the roadway. Both the driver and passenger were ejected from the vehicle. The passenger, identified as Jose Alberto Francisco-Perez, 40, of Raleigh, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The driver, Luis Angel Chaidez Gonzalez, 30, also of Raleigh, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

  • The crash occurred around 2:23 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • Francisco-Perez was pronounced dead at the hospital after the crash.

The players

Jose Alberto Francisco-Perez

A 40-year-old Raleigh resident who died as a result of the crash.

Luis Angel Chaidez Gonzalez

A 30-year-old Raleigh resident who was the driver of the vehicle and was arrested and charged with multiple offenses.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency investigating the crash and determining the contributing factors.

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What they’re saying

“Authorities said speed and alcohol impairment were contributing factors in the crash, and neither occupant was wearing a seat belt.”

— North Carolina State Highway Patrol

What’s next

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the accident to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences that can result from impaired and reckless behavior on the roads. It underscores the need for continued education and enforcement efforts to prevent such accidents and protect public safety.