Man Reported Missing in Cary Dies in Raleigh Crash

Police say vehicle was traveling over 70 mph when it left the roadway and went airborne.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:09am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a twisted, mangled car part, capturing the stark, gritty aftermath of a high-speed crash.The aftermath of a high-speed crash on a Raleigh highway ramp exposes the grim reality of the dangers of reckless driving.Today in Raleigh

A 48-year-old man who had been reported missing in Cary, North Carolina, died in a high-speed crash on the ramp from I-40 to Wade Avenue in Raleigh. Police say the vehicle was traveling at least 70 mph when it left the roadway, went airborne, and crashed into the woods, causing severe damage to the driver's cabin.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of high-speed driving and the importance of investigating missing persons cases thoroughly. The crash occurred on a major highway interchange, raising concerns about road safety and potential infrastructure issues that may have contributed to the accident.

The details

According to police, officers responded to the scene just before 4:30 pm on Monday and found the overturned vehicle off the roadway, down an embankment, and into the woods. The driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe the severe impact "caused severe intrusion into the driver's cabin" and that the driver likely died on impact.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, April 7, 2026, just before 4:30 pm.

The players

Linwood Phillips

A 48-year-old man who had been reported missing in Cary, North Carolina, and was the driver killed in the high-speed crash.

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What’s next

The incident remains under investigation by the Raleigh Police Department.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the need for improved road safety measures, particularly on high-speed highway interchanges, as well as the importance of thorough investigations into missing persons cases to ensure the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals.