parks
Deputy dies after being hit by tractor-trailer while shielding road crews on highway
By Hudson Steiner, Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide
· June 27, 2026
· 2 min read
BOLTON, N.C. (WECT/Gray News) - The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its deputies, who lost his life in the line of duty this week. Deputy Damien Draper Bost, 30, died at an area hospital following a collision Thursday on U.S. 74. Officials confirmed that a roadway ...
Key takeaway Officials confirmed that a roadway striping crew was conducting paint operations in the right lane when a tractor-trailer being driven by David McPherson, 33, failed to reduce speed and struck Bost’s marked patrol vehicle from behind.
Why this matters in The Laredo
This tragic incident in North Carolina has implications for road safety in our own community, particularly when it comes to protecting workers in hazardous conditions. In Laredo , where highway construction and maintenance are frequent, the risk of accidents involving road crews is ever-present. The death of Deputy Damien Draper Bost, who was shielding road crews at the time of the collision, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working to keep our roads safe. As our city continues to grow and develop, it's crucial that we prioritize the safety of both road workers and law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm's way to protect them. The incident also highlights the importance of driver vigilance and adherence to traffic laws, especially in construction zones where workers are vulnerable to injury or death.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BOLTON, N.C. (WECT/Gray News) - The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its deputies, who lost his life in the line of duty this week. Deputy Damien Draper Bost, 30, died at an area hospital following a collision Thursday on U.S. 74. Officials confirmed that a roadway ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Hudson Steiner, Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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