Jalaha Villareal killed after Ford hits Toyota in Newport, 2 injured

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Jalaha Villareal killed after Ford hits Toyota in Newport, 2 injured

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.

Incident Location


HEAD-ON ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

While head-on crashes make up only a small percentage of traffic accidents in the United States, they are responsible for a disproportionately high number of roadway fatalities. AAA reports that from 2015 through 2018, more than 2,000 people were killed in head-on crashes on divided highways.

Candice Bond, an experienced auto accident attorney, has stated that driver-related factors are among the leading causes of crashes like these. Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, roadway design issues and driver confusion are all possible contributing factors that investigators commonly examine in collisions of this nature.

Bond added that an independent investigation conducted promptly by an experienced attorney can be critical in protecting the rights of victims and their families.

“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Accident Injury News. “An attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash and has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an accident victim during this difficult time, while protecting the person’s legal rights and best interests.”


PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the driver and passenger in the Toyota may have the right to pursue personal injury claims for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

“An incident is considered a personal injury when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person’s injuries,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accidents result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, victims are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in serious injury auto accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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