Dare County, August 12, 2025
News Summary
A head-on collision in Dare County, North Carolina, resulted in the death of 31-year-old Callie Ann Coltrain Coward. The crash occurred when Tiffany Phillips lost control of her SUV while trying to pass traffic. Emergency services responded, but Coward was pronounced dead at the scene. Phillips faces charges including misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving. The incident highlights the dangers of passing maneuvers on highways, as head-on collisions often lead to severe accidents and fatalities.
Fatal Head-On Collision in Dare County Claims Life of Ayden Woman and Injures Two Others, Driver Charged
A head-on collision in Dare County, North Carolina, on June 29, 2025, resulted in the death of a 31-year-old woman, Callie Ann Coltrain Coward, from Ayden. The crash occurred around 9:08 a.m. on US Highway 64 near East Lake when Tiffany Phillips, a 35-year-old woman from Lexington, South Carolina, lost control of her Mercedes SUV.
According to reports from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Phillips was driving westbound when she attempted to merge into the eastbound lane to pass traffic. Unfortunately, this maneuver led to a head-on collision with Coward’s Toyota SUV. Emergency services arrived promptly, but Coward was pronounced dead at the scene due to the impact of the crash.
Tiffany Phillips was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for treatment, but her injuries have not been disclosed. A passenger in Phillips’ vehicle, 40-year-old Josiah Myer, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina. An 8-month-old girl, also a passenger in the Mercedes, was reported as uninjured, though she was taken to Outer Banks Hospital as a precaution.
In light of the tragic events, Tiffany Phillips has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol leading the inquiry.
Emergency medical services responded swiftly, employing three ambulances and a quick response vehicle. Dare MedFlight was also deployed for critical cases. Fire departments from Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island assisted in the extraction efforts at the site of the accident, highlighting the coordinated response of local emergency services.
Background Information on the Incident
Head-on collisions remain one of the most dangerous types of automobile accidents due to the high speeds involved, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Officials are urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly when attempting maneuvers such as passing other vehicles. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has reported a rise in traffic-related incidents, emphasizing the crucial need for road safety awareness.
Summary of the Incident
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | June 29, 2025 |
| Time | Approximately 9:08 a.m. |
| Location | US Highway 64 near East Lake, Dare County, NC |
| Victim | Callie Ann Coltrain Coward, 31, Ayden, NC (deceased) |
| Driver of the other vehicle | Tiffany Phillips, 35, Lexington, SC |
| Injuries | Phillips (serious, not disclosed), Josiah Myer (serious, non-life-threatening), 8-month-old girl (uninjured) |
| Charges | Misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving |
| Response | Three ambulances, quick response vehicle, Dare MedFlight, fire departments involved in extrication |
FAQ
What caused the head-on collision?
The collision occurred when Tiffany Phillips attempted to pass traffic by merging into the eastbound lane, resulting in a collision with an oncoming vehicle driven by Callie Ann Coltrain Coward.
What injuries were sustained in the accident?
Tiffany Phillips suffered serious injuries and is receiving treatment at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Josiah Myer sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and the 8-month-old passenger was uninjured.
What charges were filed against Tiffany Phillips?
Tiffany Phillips has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving following the incident.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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Additional Resources
- WITN: Ayden Woman Killed in Dare County Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WAVY: Woman Facing Charges After Fatal Crash in Dare County
- Google Search: North Carolina Traffic Safety
- 13 News Now: Woman Charged in Fatal Crash in Dare County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Accident
- The Coastland Times: Driver Charged in Fatal Wreck Near East Lake
- Google News: Dare County Traffic Accident
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
