Vigils set for injured boy after parents killed in Memorial Day crash in Garner
Two parents were killed and their child is in critical condition after an SUV driver ran a red light and collided with their vehicle on U.S. 70 Monday afternoon, according to Garner police.
The crash took place at 1:22 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 70 and New Rand Road.
Police say a Chevrolet Trailblazer was heading westbound on U.S. 70 when the driver ran a red light and hit a Mazda CX-5 that was going southbound on New Rand Road.
The collision killed the driver of the Mazda, Tyler Campbell, 28, and his wife, Susan Campbell, 29, police said. Their son, Miles, was taken to a hospital with what police called life-threatening injuries. He is in the hospital in critical condition, according to police.
“Tyler and Susan were amazing people and parents,” said Brooke Bass on the Garner Police Department’s Facebook page. “Sweet Miles was in my preschool class. I am in shock and haven’t even processed this yet. But to say I am angry, that they were killed in this way, is an understatement. Drinking and driving ruins lives! There is NO excuse for it, ever! Please pray and send all the good vibes for Miles to make it.”
Vigils Tuesday night
Two vigils are planned for Miles and his family Tuesday night.
The first is organized by the Garner Baseball Inc. at 6 p.m. at 417 W. Main St. Miles played in the baseball league this season, and the organization is asking people to wear their baseball uniforms as a sign of “unity and support.”
“We are absolutely heartbroken for the Campbell family and are praying and thinking about Miles and his team of doctors, the first responders, classmates, teammates, and friends as he battles for his life,” according to the organization’s Facebook page. “We ask you to join us in sending love, prayers, and thoughts to the entire family.”
The second vigil is planned for 7:45 p.m. by Snap Kick Martial Arts, where Miles was a student. The vigil will be held at the Snap Kick Martial Arts center, at 1411 Aversboro Road, Suite 201.
“We invite all members and non-members of our martial arts family to join us in this solemn gathering,” according to the group’s Facebook page. “Let us unite in prayer, sending our thoughts and positive energy to Miles as he bravely fights for his life. This vigil will also serve as a time to remember and honor the lives of Susan and Tyler, whose love and dedication were felt deeply within our community.”
Driver charged with DWI
The driver of the Trailblazer, Jordan Alexander Porter, 25, is also in the hospital and a police spokesperson said Tuesday they do not know when he will be released.
Police charged Porter with driving while impaired and say they expect to file more charges.
Police did not state whether drugs or alcohol are suspected, Porter’s estimated speed at the time of the crash or provide other information requested by The News & Observer on Tuesday, saying their investigation is ongoing..
A third SUV sustained minor damage in Monday’s collision, but its occupants were not injured, police said.
Previous charges
Court records show Porter has been previously cited for several traffic violations.
▪ In Johnston County, he was cited for failure to reduce speed in 2015 and failure to wear a seat belt and reckless driving to endanger in 2017. Those charges were dismissed by the Johnston County district attorney. He pleaded guilty to consuming alcohol by a 19/20 year old and had a charge of failure to maintain lane control dismissed by the district attorney in 2018.
▪ In Harnett County, he was cited for reckless driving with wanton disregard, which was dismissed by the Harnett County district attorney in 2016.
▪ In Wake County, he pleaded responsible to failing to stop at a red light in 2015. In 2022, he was charged with a hit and run while leaving the scene and causing property damage. That charged was dismissed by the Wake County district attorney.
▪ He was cited earlier this year in Wake County for driving 66 mph in a 45 mph zone. That case is pending.
