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POTECASI – Exactly what caused a fatal accident here early Friday morning is under investigation.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol reports that 32-year-old Timothy R. Jernigan of Woodland died at the scene of the single-vehicle crash, which occurred shortly past midnight on NC 35 in Potecasi.

In his preliminary investigation, NCHP Trooper W.H. Wheeler said that Jernigan was operating a 2004 Saturn passenger car northbound on NC 35. As that vehicle entered a curve, it went left of center, traveled off the left side of the highway where it clipped a utility pole, breaking it off at its base.

The vehicle continued for a short distance after that point, eventually colliding with a tree where it came to rest.

Wheeler said Jernigan was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle.

The Trooper added that other than traveling left of center and possibly exceeding the posted speed limit, other potential contributing factors to the accident are under investigation.

Also responding to the accident scene were the Woodland Fire Department, Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, and Northampton EMS.