New details on Duplin County crash victims

DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – We’re learning more about an active-duty U.S. Navy sailor and his wife who died in a semi-truck accident.

Troopers say the crash happened on Ludie Brown Road at Willie Hatcher Road on Wednesday around 5:30 p.m.

Killed were Command Master Chief Simba Wallace and his wife, Dr. Natalie Castro.

The Highway Patrol says Wallace was stationed at Camp Lejeune.

A Navy Biography for Wallace reflects a storied career that also included his time stationed at Cherry Point Air Station.

A Highway Patrol investigation revealed the couple’s Jeep Wrangler was traveling south of Willie Hatcher Road when it failed to yield to a semi-truck carrying chickens traveling west on Ludie Brown Road.

Troopers say the Jeep was struck by the semi-truck, which overturned, went off the road to the left and stopped partially off the road.

Troopers say Wallace and Castro died at the scene.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to ECU Health Duplin Hospital with minor injuries, according to troopers.