Timothy McLean dies in fatal Harnett County car crash

Timothy McLean dies in fatal Harnett County car crash
Fatal Harnett County car crash death of Timothy McLean – Obituary

Timothy McLean of Lillington lost his life after a single-vehicle crash on McCartan Road in the Anderson Creek/Bunnlevel area of Harnett County early Saturday morning. Authorities say the wreck was discovered shortly after 9:30 a.m., when emergency crews were called to the scene and found McLean unresponsive inside a damaged Nissan Altima.

Firefighters, rescue personnel, paramedics, and law enforcement responded to the 911 call placed at 9:29 a.m. Paramedics pronounced McLean dead at the scene. When responders arrived, the driver of the vehicle was not present, prompting an expanded investigation.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol, led by Sgt. D.N. Pope with Trooper Luke J. Cason as the investigating officer, examined the crash. Findings showed the car left the roadway, struck a ditch culvert, and stopped abruptly. Investigators determined that excessive speed and the lack of seat belt use contributed to the fatal outcome.

Although the vehicle displayed a temporary North Carolina tag, troopers traced ownership to Sharon Marsh of Lillington. During initial questioning, Marsh provided inaccurate information about who had been driving. Investigators later received leads through social media comments and an anonymous tip to the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, both identifying the suspected driver.

Troopers returned to the Lillington residence associated with the vehicle and interviewed Sharon Marsh and her daughter, Goldie Marsh. Sharon Marsh later acknowledged allowing her daughter to drive the car. Goldie Marsh admitted she was behind the wheel at the time of the crash and told investigators she had used cocaine earlier that day.

Authorities allege that Goldie Marsh fled the scene, leaving McLean inside the wrecked vehicle. She reportedly told investigators that McLean was still alive when she left and described their relationship as romantic.

Goldie Marlene Marsh, 40, faces multiple felony charges, including death by motor vehicle, felony hit and run resulting in death, impaired driving involving cocaine, driving with a revoked license, reckless driving, failure to report an accident, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a seat belt violation. Investigators also discovered an outstanding extraditable warrant from Kentucky related to identity theft and other offenses, along with a pending cocaine possession case in Harnett County. She was jailed without bond.

Sharon Blackman Marsh, 67, was charged with felony obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting driving while license revoked, and resisting a public officer. Her bond was set at $10,000 secured.

Both women were scheduled to appear in Harnett County District Court on Jan. 20. Investigators believe the crash occurred around 7:30 a.m., approximately two hours before the wrecked vehicle was reported.