Pitt County, NC — January 23, 2026, Cara Gardner was killed as the result of a truck accident that happened along Highway 118.

Authorities said in preliminary statements that the crash happened at NC-118 and Cannon Price Road.

According to officials, 23-year-old Cara Gardner was in a Toyota Camry going along Cannon Price Road. A semi-truck carrying logs was going westbound on the highway. The vehicles reportedly crossed paths and collided. Due to this, Cara Gardner sustained fatal injuries.

It's unclear if anyone else had injuries. No further information is available at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

One of the challenges with any fatal crash like this is the victim isn't around to give their side of the story. It's important, then, that investigations are thorough enough that the evidence can tell it in their stead. That's why it's important to know what all authorities are looking into. Are they only scratching the surface and looking at possible distraction, fatigue, or unsafe speed? Or, are they looking into things like vehicle defects, safety feature issues, road design flaws, signage or lighting issues, medical conditions, etc? Likely or not, all factors deserve attention so that the victim's family at least knows they're getting the full story. It remains to be seen if they're getting that here.