A Brunswick County sheriff’s deputy has been charged in the death of a motorcyclist.
Troopers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol are investigating the wreck, which occurred on U.S. 17 near Calabash in Brunswick County Monday afternoon.
Adam Lockner, 59, a patrol deputy who has been with the sheriff’s office since 2009, has been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and failure to yield. Brunswick County Chief Deputy Charlie Miller said Lockner was responding to a call when the fatal wreck occurred.
Trooper J. Thomas said Lockner did not have his blue lights on when the wreck occurred.
Lockner was driving southbound on U.S. 17 just after 4 p.m. Monday, when he turned left near the intersection of Shingletree Road.
Thomas Varney, 57, who was operating a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, collided with Lockner’s vehicle, and was thrown from the motorcycle, Thomas said. Varney was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where he later died from injuries sustained in the wreck.
Sheriff’s deputies are conducting an internal investigation. Lockner was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“It was a tragic accident. We feel horrible for the family,” Miller said.
