Motorcycle Fatality in Onslow County Prompts State Highway Patrol Investigation
January 12, 2026Onslow County, North Carolina — January 11, 2026 — According to WITN, authorities are investigating a fatal motorcycle collision.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash happened on Queens Creek Road. Troopers say 53-year-old Juan Rivera of Hubert was riding his motorcycle when a sport utility vehicle entered the roadway directly in his path.
Investigators report that the SUV was driven by 40-year-old Kethia Massenat, who was attempting to turn left from Heron Watch Drive onto Queens Creek Road. Troopers say Massenat failed to yield the right of way before pulling into traffic.
To avoid a direct impact, Rivera attempted to take evasive action by laying the motorcycle down. Despite the maneuver, the motorcycle struck the SUV. Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene.
As a result of the crash, Massenat has been charged with failure to yield and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. She was issued a citation and is scheduled to appear in court in April.
The State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
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