NEWPORT, NC, (May 23, 2026) – A 39-year-old man lost his life and two others were injured following a head-on collision Saturday evening in Newport, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Authorities said Jalaha Villareal was driving a Ford passenger car eastbound on Mill Creek Road at approximately 6:23 p.m. when the vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Toyota van traveling in the opposite direction.
Investigators said the Toyota came to rest partially off the roadway in the westbound lane, while the Ford stopped in the eastbound lane after the impact.
Villareal was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver and passenger inside the Toyota were transported to Carteret Health Care in Morehead City with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Officials have not released their identities.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
