With profound sadness, we remember and honor the life of Cara Gardner, a young woman from Greenville, North Carolina, whose life was tragically cut short following a devastating crash in Pitt County. At just 23 years old, Cara’s passing has left her family, friends, and community heartbroken, struggling to understand a loss that came far too soon.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred on Friday around 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of NC Highway 118 and Cannon Price Road. Troopers say a log truck was traveling westbound on NC 118 when Cara, driving a Toyota Camry, attempted to turn left onto the highway from Cannon Price Road. In doing so, she failed to yield the right of way and collided with the log truck.
The impact of the crash caused the log truck to leave the roadway, run into a ditch, and overturn. Emergency crews responded quickly, but despite their efforts, Cara Gardner sadly lost her life as a result of the collision. The roadway remained closed for approximately three hours as investigators worked the scene and crews removed logs scattered across the highway.
While the details of the accident are difficult to read, today is about more than what happened—it is about who Cara was. She was a daughter, a loved one, a friend, and a bright young soul with her whole life ahead of her. At 23, she carried dreams, plans, and hopes for the future, all of which were taken in an instant. Those who knew her are now left with memories, photographs, and a deep ache that words cannot fully describe.
The sudden loss of someone so young is especially painful. Cara’s death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly everything can change. Her absence will be felt in countless ways, in everyday moments and milestones that now carry her memory instead of her presence.
We ask that you please keep Cara Gardner’s family and loved ones lifted in prayer, asking for strength, comfort, and peace during this unimaginable time of grief. May they feel surrounded by love and support as they begin the long journey of healing.
