James Vaughan III dies in fatal Morganton motorcycle crash

James Vaughan III dies in fatal Morganton motorcycle crash
Fatal Morganton motorcycle crash death of James Vaughan III

James Vaughan III, 44, from Lenoir, was killed Saturday morning in a head-on collision involving two motorcycles on NC 181 near Streamside Drive in Morganton, North Carolina.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Vaughan had been riding a Kawasaki motorcycle northbound when he attempted to overtake several other motorcycles in a no-passing zone. During the maneuver, his motorcycle collided head-on with a Yamaha motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction.

Vaughan was thrown from his motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. His passenger was also ejected and transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

The individuals on the Yamaha motorcycle — a driver and a passenger — sustained minor injuries and were also taken to a local hospital.

Troopers reported that excessive speed and improper passing played a role in causing the crash. NC 181 was temporarily closed for about two hours during the investigation. Authorities confirmed that no charges will be filed.