Cove City Grieves the Loss of John Hawkins, 66, Killed in Overnight Crash
COVE CITY, NC — The close-knit community of Cove City is grieving the sudden loss of one of its longtime residents, John Lincoln Hawkins, aged 66. He died in a devastating overnight crash on Old US 70 near Sanders Lane in Craven County.
🕛 Crash Details & Investigation
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At approximately midnight on July 28, 2025, North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to a single-vehicle collision on Old US 70. John Hawkins was driving east when his car veered off the road, struck a ditch embankment, and overturned violently. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Investigators have pointed to speeding as a contributing factor. Additionally, Hawkins was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision, further increasing the fatal risk.
💔 A Life Remembered
John Hawkins was known locally as a respected and familiar figure in Cove City. Neighbors and friends remember him as kind-hearted and dependable—a fixture in the small community whose presence brought comfort and warmth.
Though a quiet and humble man, John’s connection to the area ran deep. He was someone people always counted on—a friendly greeting at church, a wave on Main Street, a helpful neighbor in times of need. His loss is felt not only by his family but by all who knew him in Craven County.
⚠️ Safety Reminder & Community Response
This tragic accident has prompted renewed concerns about road safety along Old US 70. Officials emphasize the dangers of speeding, particularly on rural stretches where the margin for error is slim. The circumstances of Hawkins’s crash also underscore the critical importance of wearing seatbelts, even on familiar routes.
Local residents and church groups have offered support and condolences to the Hawkins family, organizing prayer gatherings and offering help as the family navigates this difficult time.
📝 Summary of Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | John Lincoln Hawkins, 66, of Cove City |
| Date & Time | July 28, 2025, around midnight |
| Location | Old US 70 near Sanders Lane, Craven County |
| Crash Cause | Single-vehicle crash; speed was a factor; no seatbelt worn |
| Outcome | Pronounced dead at the scene |
| Investigation | Conducted by NC Highway Patrol |
🌹 Tribute & Reflection
John’s passing is a somber reminder of life’s fragility. While the community reflects on the sorrow of his loss, many are also drawn to honor his life—a life marked by quiet contribution, steadfast presence, and neighborly kindness.
In many ways, John embodied the best of Cove City’s spirit: grounded, caring, dependable. Though he may be gone, his memory lives on through the stories shared, the acts of kindness he inspired, and the impact he quietly made on those around him.
🚨 Let this tragedy also serve as a call to action—reminding all drivers of the necessity of safe driving and the life-saving benefits of wearing seatbelts, no matter the route or time of day.
Rest in peace, John Lincoln Hawkins. You were deeply loved, and you will be missed dearly by your community.