ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — Two people from Florida who were killed in a deadly crash on US-220 in Rockingham County have been identified.
On Friday, Sept. 1, troopers obtained video footage from a local business, showing a tractor-trailer losing its tarp when it hit an overhead utility line in the roadway. Part of the overhead tarping system was ripped from the truck and landed in the roadway, along with a utility line, according to troopers.
Investigators said the tractor-trailer driver failed to remain at the scene of the crash and continued driving north on US 220.
Troopers said a group of motorcyclists from Florida were traveling north on the highway near Williams Road when they ran into the area where the line had been torn down around 11 a.m.
Highway Patrol said the motorcyclists then crashed after becoming entangled with the tarp and the utility line left in the roadway.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said 33-year-old Stephen James Matyas of St. Petersburg, FL, and 29-year-old Megan Justine Brannon of Seminole, FL did not survive the crash.
44-year-old Chad Mallonee of Port St. Lucie, FL, 51-year-old Calvin John Gollogly of Largo, FL, 49-year-old Donald Edward Harper of Ormond Beach, FL, and 39-year-old Jamie Marie Jellissen of Largo, FL were apart of the group of traveling motorcyclist.
Mallonee, Gollogly, Harper, and Jellissen received serious injuries and were treated at the hospital and have since been released, according to troopers.
The tractor-trailer driver was found at Best Logistics Group in Kernersville Friday evening, according to troopers. Investigators said Best Logistics Group is the motor carrier responsible for the truck the driver was operating.
The crash shut down both sides of Highway 220 at Baggage Road for at least four hours during the investigation.
Highway Patrol said the truck is being held for evidence as this investigation is still ongoing.
Investigators said they are set to meet with the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office later in the week regarding charges.
If you have information or saw what happened, please dial *HP (*47) to call Highway Patrol.
Check back for updates.
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