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Laura Edington

Richmond County Daily Journal

The Rockingham Police Department on Tuesday released the initial crash report for the fatal wreck that happened Dec. 8 on East Broad Avenue (Business U.S. 74) in Rockingham.

The collision claimed the life of 9-year-old Jody Alexander Williams and injured his grandmother, Emma Mae Williams, 66.

The car that slammed into Williams’ car was driven by Christopher Scott Goodwin, 44, of 117 Peace Drive, Rockingham, according to the crash report.

Goodwin, who did not have drugs or alcohol in his system, was driving with Angela Rene Goodwin, 41, in the front passenger seat of his 2004 Volkswagen, the report said. Williams was driving her daughter-in-law’s 1997 Dodge, with grandson Jody as a passenger.

The report shows that Goodwin was exceeding the posted speed limit for that section of East Broad Avenue. He was driving 60 mph in a 45 mph speed zone, headed northwest, according to the report.

“Vehicle 2 (driven by Williams) was stopped for the stop sign on Lady Mary Lane at the intersection with US 74 (E. Broad Avenue). Vehicle 2 started across US 74 (E. Broad Avenue) to get to Richmond Memorial Park. Vehicle 1 (driven by Goodwin) struck Vehicle 2 in the outside westbound lane on US 74 (E. Broad Avenue). Both vehicles then traveled off the right side of US 74 (E. Broad Avenue) into Richmond Memorial Park causing damage to grave plots. Both vehicles came to rest in Richmond Memorial Park,” the report said.

Williams was traveling 20 mph at the time of impact.

Goodwin crashed into the Dodge without slowing down and hit the passenger side of the car, the report shows. The vehicles caused more than $8,000 in damages to eight grave markers.

The report also said the damages caused to Goodwin’s car are estimated to be $10,000 and the damages caused to Williams’ car are estimated to be $5,000. The wreck occurred at about 7:21 p.m.

“These are the facts right now as we know them,” Rockingham Police Chief Billy Kelly said Tuesday afternoon.

Both drivers and Mrs. Goodwin were rushed to the hospital. Emma Williams, who spent a few days in the hospital, has been released and continues to improve. On Tuesday, a family member said Williams “is doing better. She is getting back on her feet.”

No charges have been filed, according to the report.

Chief Kelly said Tuesday the crash remains under investigation. Kelly said people are still coming forward with information and he encouraged more people to contact police if they have any relevant information about the crash.

The initial report could change if more information becomes available to the officers. Kelly said he and Officer Marcus Ricks meet daily to discuss any new developments.

Although some witnesses told officers that the vehicle that slammed into the grandmother’s car was racing another car, that still has not been confirmed, according to Kelly.

The report shows two vehicles involved in the crash, however, police are not ruling out other possibilities.

Anyone with information about the crash in encouraged to call the Rockingham Police Department at 910-895-2468 and ask to speak with Chief Kelly or Officer Ricks.

— Staff Writer Laura Edington can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 18, or by email at ledington@heartlandpublications.com.