The community of Garner is reeling after a tragic accident on Monday claimed the lives of a young couple and critically injured their child. The crash occurred just before 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of US Business 70 and New Rand Road, involving three vehicles: a silver Chevrolet Trailblazer, a dark blue Mazda CX5 Select, and a black Cadillac Escalade.
How did the accident happen?
According to Garner Police, the silver Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling west on US 70 when it ran a red light and struck the Mazda, which was traveling south on New Rand Road. The impact of the collision was devastating, resulting in the deaths of the Mazda’s driver, Tyler Campbell, 28, and passenger Susan Campbell, 29. Their son, 8-year-old Miles Campbell, who was also in the Mazda, sustained life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The driver of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Jordan Alexander Porter, 25, of Garner, was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. On Tuesday, police confirmed that Porter has been charged with driving while impaired, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues. The third vehicle involved, a black Cadillac Escalade, sustained minor damage and its occupants were not injured.
A section of US 70 was closed for several hours as police conducted their investigation, finally reopening around 6:30 p.m. The shock and sorrow felt by the community are profound, as neighbors and friends come to grips with the sudden loss of the Campbells. To honor their memory and support each other in this time of grief, the community has organized a vigil. The vigil is scheduled to take place on Tuesday evening at the Garner baseball fields, a location symbolic of the close-knit nature of this town.
Tyler and Susan Campbell were known for their kindness and active involvement in local community events. Friends describe them as a loving couple who were devoted to their son, Miles. The couple’s sudden and tragic death has left a void in the community, with many expressing their sorrow and offering support to the grieving family. As Miles fights for his life, the community has rallied around him, hoping for his recovery.
