‘Shock and mourning’: NC officer dies in ‘devastating’ crash near coast; woman charged in wrong-way wreck

RICHLANDS, N.C. (WNCN) — An officer with a North Carolina sheriff’s office died in a “devastating” car crash over the weekend and a woman is facing charges in the wreck, officials said.

Tyler Johnson, 21, just joined the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer in January, according to his obituary and the sheriff’s office.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely death of Detention Officer Tyler Johnson, who lost his life in a devastating car crash,” the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office said Monday about the Saturday wreck that killed Johnson.

Johnson’s death left “colleagues, friends, and family in shock and mourning,” the announcement said.

Johnson graduated from Richlands High School in 2021.

“He was an avid football player in high school and was a current player with the Carolina Kings Semi-Pro Football team,” his obituary said.

Johnson aspired to become a police officer, his family said in the obituary.

“Tyler is very loved and was a friend to all,” his obituary said.

The crash happened in Richlands around 3:20 p.m. along Comfort Road, about 10 miles north of Jacksonville, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Troopers told WNCT that Amanda Vanbuskirk was driving a white Dodge SUV when it went over the center line and struck Johnson’s vehicle head-on.

Vanbuskirk, 38, was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and driving left of center.

“The Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the Johnson family during this difficult time,” Onslow County deputies said.

Johnson was involved in hunting, fishing, paintball, dirt bike racing and recreational target shooting.

Johnson is survived by his parents, two sisters and his long-time girlfriend, Aaliyah Pittman, the obituary said.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Jones Funeral Home in Richlands.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home, one hour before the service.