Whiteville, North Carolina — A quiet Sunday afternoon turned devastating on March 15 when 65‑year‑old Evelyn Young Pittman of nearby Lake Waccamaw lost her life in a single‑vehicle crash at the intersection of South Franklin Street and Caldis Street. Police say the wet pavement and excessive speed combined in the curve just before 3 p.m. caused Pittman to lose control of her silver Kia Rondo, which then slammed off the road and came to a stop. She was found at the scene and pronounced dead by first responders. The Whiteville Police Department says no other vehicles were involved and investigators are still reviewing the case details.
Friends and neighbors in Lake Waccamaw describe Pittman as a familiar face in the small community about 12 miles east of Whiteville. She was a regular at local gatherings and known for her warmth and friendly demeanor. On Sunday, what began as an ordinary drive ended in tragedy, with speed and slick road conditions proving deadly in an otherwise sleepy part of Columbus County. Emergency crews blocked off sections of Franklin Street as they worked to clear the scene and investigate, leaving residents shaken by the sudden loss.
Police officials have offered condolences to Pittman’s family and urged drivers to adjust speeds for wet roads, especially in curves where stopping distances can increase dramatically. Pittman’s passing has cast a somber mood over both towns she called home and visited frequently, prompting many to reflect on how quickly life can change when conditions turn dangerous.
Investigators continue to examine whether other factors played a role, but at this point, they reaffirm that no other vehicles were involved and that the focus remains on the roadway conditions and speed. Small communities like Lake Waccamaw and Whiteville are no strangers to neighborly support in hard times, and tributes to Pittman have already begun to appear around town.
Her death serves as a stark reminder of how hazardous even familiar roads can become after rain and how critical cautious driving is for everyone’s safety. In both cities, locals are emphasizing the importance of looking out for each other and slowing down when the weather turns wet.
