A passenger vehicle was pulled from Sampson County Creek following an accident on US 421

SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) — One person died Tuesday afternoon after their vehicle collided in Coharie Creek in Sampson County.

The vehicle plunged into the water after veering off U.S. Highway 421 near Martha Lane, north of Clinton, around 2:30 p.m. It fell down the embankment and sank into the stream.

First responders pulled the vehicle, a 2007 Ford SUV, from the water. The driver, Donna J. Pearce, 77, of Clinton, was found dead in the SUV.

A dive team from Wayne County was dispatched to assist in the effort.

Speed ​​was not a factor, the State Highway Patrol said Tuesday evening. Pearce was wearing a seatbelt.

The Highway Patrol is investigating.