A quiet night turned tragic for one North Carolina family. If you live in Laurinburg or vacation near North Myrtle Beach, this heartbreaking story may hit close to home. A local woman was killed in a motorcycle crash early Sunday, leaving behind shock, sorrow, and unanswered questions.
What We Know So Far
- Jessica Woodall, 40, of Laurinburg, North Carolina, died in a motorcycle crash early Sunday morning.
- The wreck happened just before 2 a.m. on the Highway 17 North off-ramp at Sea Mountain Highway in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
- According to Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard, the motorcycle struck the curb of a concrete median, causing the crash.
- Woodall was riding as a passenger on the motorcycle and died at the scene.
- The North Myrtle Beach Police Department is currently investigating the incident.
What It Means for Laurinburg and the Carolinas
Residents in Laurinburg and visitors to North Myrtle Beach are reeling from the news. Summer weekends are a popular time for motorcycle travel along the Carolina coast — but this tragedy is a chilling reminder of the dangers.
Authorities have not released the identity or condition of the motorcycle’s driver. Locals are calling for increased motorcycle safety awareness and clearer markings at complex highway exits.
“This off-ramp can be tricky at night, especially for riders unfamiliar with the area,” one area resident commented.
What You Should Watch For or What You Can Do Now
- Motorcyclists: Use extra caution on curved or dimly lit exits like the one at Sea Mountain Highway.
- Drivers: Keep an eye out for riders — especially during late-night hours on weekends.
- Locals and tourists: Be aware of accident-prone areas on Highway 17 North in Horry County.
Stay informed, stay safe — and take a moment to honor the life of Jessica Woodall, a fellow North Carolinian gone too soon.
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
