Authorities in North Carolina have confirmed that Aurora Mayor Clifton “Clif” Williams Jr. was one of two men killed in a devastating crash Monday morning along US 13/NC 11 near Bethel. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. and has left two communities mourning the sudden loss of respected figures.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Williams, 70, was driving a Ford F-150 northbound on US 13 when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle crossed the grassy median. The truck entered the southbound lanes while still traveling north and collided head-on with a Chevy work truck. That vehicle was driven by 67-year-old Timothy Hutchison of Winterville. The impact was fatal, and emergency responders pronounced both men dead at the scene. Neither truck carried passengers, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash.
News of Mayor Williams’ death spread quickly through the town of Aurora, where he was widely known for his dedication to public service and his approachable leadership style. Sharon Holland, the town’s volunteer communications coordinator, confirmed his passing and later joined other officials in paying tribute. In a statement posted online, the Town of Aurora described Williams as a leader whose “vision, commitment, and tireless advocacy” had left a lasting mark on the community he cherished.
Williams had long been recognized as a hands-on leader who cared deeply about the needs of residents. Community members recall his presence at local events, his willingness to listen to concerns, and his efforts to preserve Aurora’s small-town values while also guiding it toward progress. His sudden passing has left the town in shock, and officials have promised to release details soon about memorial arrangements and opportunities for residents to honor his life and service.
The loss of Hutchison has also deeply affected the Winterville community, where he was respected as a hardworking and well-regarded resident. While much attention has focused on Williams’ public role, friends and family of Hutchison are grieving a personal loss that is equally profound. Both men leave behind loved ones, neighbors, and colleagues who are struggling to make sense of the tragedy.
Investigators with the Highway Patrol continue to examine the circumstances that caused the F-150 to veer off course, though no preliminary cause has been released. For now, Aurora and Winterville remain united in grief, mourning two lives lost in an instant on a busy stretch of highway.