Police Investigating Early-Morning Fatal Accident

CLAYTON – Clayton Police are investigating and early morning accident that claimed the life of a 68 year-old man. The accident was reported at 2:25 a.m. today (Wednesday) on N. Lombard Street near the intersection of Front Street.

The initial call indicated the vehicle had struck a house although this was not the case. Clayton Police along with Clayton Fire and Johnston County EMS responded to the scene.

The vehicle, a 2022 Nissan Frontier, was located heavily damaged near a driveway in the 200 block of Front Street. The driver, Billy Ray Dupree of Garner was removed from the vehicle and determined to be deceased.

After further investigation and accident reconstruction, police said Mr. Dupree crossed the intersection at Lombard Street and Main Street and continued traveling north before striking a utility box and hitting the railroad tracks causing the vehicle to flip over.

Norfolk Southern assisted Clayton Police by shutting down the railroad tracks in order for the accident and scene to be investigated and cleared.

Based on evidence obtained, it appears Mr. Dupree may have suffered a medical crisis which may have led to the accident.