South Carolina Driver Charged After Head-On Crash Kills Woman in Dare County, NC

DARE COUNTY, NC — A woman from Lexington, South Carolina, has been charged in connection with a deadly head-on crash that took place Sunday morning on U.S. Highway 64 in Dare County, resulting in the death of a 31-year-old North Carolina woman.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 9:08 a.m. on June 29, 2025, near the East Lake area of the county.

Driver attempted to pass in oncoming lane

Authorities say Tiffany Phillips, 35, was driving westbound in a Mercedes SUV when she crossed into the eastbound lane in an attempt to pass traffic. Her vehicle collided head-on with a Toyota SUV driven by Callie Ann Coltrain Coward, a resident of Ayden, NC.

Coward was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.

Passengers injured in both vehicles

Phillips suffered injuries and was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Her passenger, Josiah Myer, 40, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was flown to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.

An 8-month-old girl who was in Phillips’ vehicle was taken to The Outer Banks Hospital and was reported to be uninjured.

Charges filed against SC driver

Following the incident, Phillips was charged with:

• Misdemeanor death by vehicle

• Reckless driving

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether additional charges may be pursued.

How should reckless driving penalties be handled in fatal cases like this?

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