Bragg Boulevard Fayetteville Collision Claims Life of Chong Hwa Otis in Afternoon Crash
Bragg Boulevard, Fayetteville — Chong Hwa Otis, 69, was moments away from completing a routine drive when everything changed in an instant. At exactly 1:42 p.m. on Thursday, she was easing her gray 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis off the northbound I-295 exit ramp toward Bragg Boulevard. As she merged, a white 2025 Chevrolet Silverado traveling south struck her vehicle with force so sudden and overwhelming that she had no opportunity to react. The impact transformed the scene into a devastating collision that drew emergency crews within minutes.
When first responders arrived, Mrs. Otis was found unresponsive behind the wheel. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but she showed no signs of recovery, and she was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her vehicle, heavily damaged on the driver’s side, rested near the edge of the roadway where the Silverado had pushed it upon contact. Debris from both vehicles scattered across the intersection, marking the violent nature of the crash.
The driver of the Silverado, 58-year-old Wilton Allen Nickerson of Stedman, remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. He sustained injuries from the collision and was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for treatment. Despite his condition, Nickerson spoke with officers before being taken by ambulance, offering what information he could about the moments leading to the impact. His Silverado came to a stop several yards from Mrs. Otis’s vehicle, its front end severely crumpled.
Officers from the Fayetteville Police Department immediately began a detailed reconstruction of the crash. Investigators examined fresh skid marks, scattered vehicle debris, and the final resting positions of both cars to understand the physics behind the collision. The pattern and direction of the skid marks are expected to help determine whether braking occurred before impact and at what speed the Silverado was traveling. Additionally, the displacement of debris is being analyzed to calculate trajectory and force.
No charges have been filed at this stage, and officials emphasize that the investigation remains open. Determining the cause of the collision—whether misjudgment, speed, visibility issues, or other factors—requires precise verification. Mechanical inspections, roadway assessments, and data from each vehicle’s onboard systems may all contribute to the final findings.
Authorities are also seeking the public’s help. Anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dashboard camera footage from the area before or after 1:42 p.m. is urged to contact investigators at 910-818-1872. Video evidence could offer crucial insight into traffic flow, vehicle movement, and any contributing circumstances in the seconds before impact.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Chong Hwa Otis, a woman remembered by those close to her for her quiet strength and steady kindness. Her family now faces a grief no one is prepared for, and many across Fayetteville hold them in their thoughts as they navigate this painful time.