Authorities in Wilson County, North Carolina, are investigating a tragic head-on collision that claimed the life of a 6-year-old boy and left his father and young sister seriously injured.
The crash occurred Monday afternoon, April 27, at approximately 3:48 p.m. on Bridgersville Road near Haynes Road, just east of Elm City. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a 2022 Toyota Corolla driven by 31-year-old Jonathan M. Hardison of Elm City crossed left of center and collided head-on with a 2024 Toyota Sequoia traveling in the opposite direction.
Hardison had two children in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Authorities reported that the 6-year-old boy was not properly restrained and was partially ejected during the impact. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. His 7-year-old sister and Hardison were airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Sequoia, 40-year-old Gina W. Bridgers, along with two children in her vehicle, were not injured in the collision.
Following a preliminary investigation, authorities charged Hardison with driving while impaired, driving left of center, and failure to properly restrain a child passenger in an appropriate safety seat.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support the family, identifying the young victim as Maverick and his sister as Heidi Hardinson. The fundraiser aims to assist with medical expenses, funeral costs, and recovery support for the surviving family members during this devastating time.
This tragic incident has deeply affected the local community, as friends, neighbors, and strangers alike express grief and shock over the loss of such a young life. Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this heartbreaking event.
