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 Laredo News
This tragic incident in North Carolina has implications for road safety in our own community. In Laredo , where highway construction and maintenance are frequent, the risks faced by road crews and law enforcement officers are very real. The death of Deputy Damien Draper Bost serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of speeding and reckless driving, particularly in work zones. As our city continues to grow and develop, it's crucial that drivers exercise caution and respect for those working to keep our roads safe. The incident also highlights the importance of traffic enforcement and education in preventing such tragedies. Locally, our law enforcement agencies and transportation officials must remain vigilant in their efforts to protect road crews and ensure that drivers are held accountable for their actions. By learning from this incident, we can work towards creating a safer environment for everyone on our roads.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Hudson Steiner, Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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