Garbage truck worker hit, killed in Lincoln County, troopers say

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LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that involved a garbage truck worker Tuesday evening.

It happened shortly after 7:30 p.m. on NC 27 near NC 150.

Troopers said a 2014 Mack garbage truck was stopped in the travel lane while performing its duties.

At that time, a 2011 Toyota Camry traveling west on NC 27 failed to reduce speed and struck a worker in the roadway at the rear of the truck.

That worker, later identified as 35-year-old Brandon Scott Carpenter, was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries, according to troopers.

The driver of the Camry, 35-year-old Danica Lashea Borders, was not injured. Troopers said she was later charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to reduce speed.

Family members said Carpenter was a father of three children.

Co-workers were in disbelief.

“He’s well missed,” said co-worker Mike Vogel. “I mean, when I come to work this morning, I still seen his car sitting here, and I just wanted to cry because I know what happened to him.”

Vogel said workers are always cautious when collecting trash, and Carpenter always showed up with a smile on his face.

“(He) took care of his family very well,” Vogel said. “A hardworking guy. Always do what we asked him to do and never said no.”

Residents along Highway 27 questioned how the driver could not see a large garbage truck.

Resident Mary Furr said people speed along the stretch of the two-lane highway.

“Every day I can sit on my porch and almost see wrecks. Every day,” Furr said. “It’s phenomenal how fast these people go.”

Troopers said an initial investigation does not indicate impairment; however, it is active and ongoing.

VIDEO: Deadly crash under investigation on north Charlotte road

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