Reginald K. Howard and Marcedo Allen McNeil Incident: Two Fatally Injured in Rapid NC-411 Crash

 Reginald K. Howard and Marcedo Allen McNeil Accident – A heartbreaking single-vehicle incident in Sampson County, North Carolina, resulted in the deaths of two men on the evening of Saturday, December 13, 2025. This fatal accident transpired around 6:30 p.m. on NC-411, commonly referred to as Harrells Highway, just to the east of Garland. Officials report that the incident led to a devastating fire that fully engulfed the vehicle, providing no possibility of survival for those inside.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol indicated that the car involved was a 2006 Toyota Sequoia heading east at a very high speed. Authorities found that the driver lost command of the SUV, initiating a dramatic series of events that occurred in mere seconds. The vehicle first veered off the right side of the road before re-entering the highway. It then crossed the center lane, left the road again, and struck a ditch with substantial force.

Following the collision with the ditch, the Toyota Sequoia rebounded back onto the roadway and collided with a power pole. This impact caused power lines to fall, resulting in additional dangers at the site. The vehicle advanced forward and subsequently crashed into a large tree. Upon impact, the SUV ignited, quickly becoming engulfed in flames, ultimately resulting in its complete destruction.

Due to the extensive damage from the fire, investigators were unable to ascertain whether either of the occupants had seatbelts on at the time of the accident. The severity of the fire also hindered recovery operations and highlighted the brutal nature of the crash. Speed is thought to have played a significant role in the incident, but the investigation is still ongoing.

The deceased were later named as the driver, Marcedo Allen McNeil, aged 33, from Stedman, North Carolina, and a passenger, Reginald K. Howard, aged 39, from Harrells, North Carolina. Both individuals were declared dead at the accident site. Officials confirmed that the families of the victims were informed following the tragedy.

Emergency teams from Garland Fire & Rescue quickly arrived on scene to control the blaze and secure the area. The Four County Power Company also came to manage the downed power lines and restore safety to the roadway. Parts of NC-411 were impacted during the emergency response as crews worked late into the evening.

The loss of McNeil and Howard has deeply impacted their families and the local communities. This accident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with speeding and the tragic outcomes that can follow. As the North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues their investigation, community members are left grieving the untimely loss of two lives on a well-known stretch of road.