RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The family of a Forest City man killed in a weekend crash involving snow removal equipment says they are still searching for answers as state investigators continue to examine what led to his death.
State troopers say 55-year-old Brandon Atkins was killed Saturday night on U.S. 74 East in Rutherford County after his pickup truck struck the back of a motor grader that was performing snow removal during winter storm cleanup. The motor grader was operated by a private contractor working for the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Three other people were inside the pickup at the time of the crash and were taken to the hospital with injuries described as serious but not life-threatening. The family says those injured were relatives. Atkins’ wife, who was also in the vehicle, remains hospitalized but is showing signs of improvement after undergoing surgery.
In an interview with News 13, Atkins’ son Zachary Atkins described his father as a devoted family man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
1 DEAD AFTER TRUCK CRASHES INTO MOTOR GRADER REMOVING SNOW IN RUTHERFORD COUNTY
“He loved his family — his wife, his children, his grandchildren — blood related or not,” Zachary Atkins said. “He never met a stranger.”
Zachary said his father’s influence shaped his own career path into law enforcement with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, instilling values of service, responsibility and doing the right thing.
“He was my hero,” he said. “Whatever we needed, he would move mountains for us.”
FEB. 2, 2026 -{ }The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said 55-year-old Brandon Atkins of Forest City was driving east on U.S. 74 at night on Saturday, Jan. 31, when his Chevrolet pickup struck the back of a motor grader performing snow removal work near the Ellenboro exit. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
Family members also described Brandon Atkins as someone known throughout the community for his kindness, humor and work ethic. He previously worked at Cone Mills and later drove for local companies, including Canteen Vending, roles the family says helped him form deep connections across Rutherford County.
The crash occurred on a highway that Atkins’ family says he had driven thousands of times.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol says its investigation is ongoing and includes whether the motor grader was properly marked, adequately lit and positioned safely in the roadway, as well as whether speed or visibility played a role.
News 13 has requested the official crash report from the Highway Patrol. The Atkins family says they have also requested a copy, hoping it will provide clarity.
HIGHWAY PATROL PROBES CRASH INVOLVING A SNOW REMOVAL VEHICLE, KILLING 1 AND INJURING 3
“I think we would need to see the Highway Patrol report,” said Brian Atkins, Brandon’s twin brother. “Just to see what’s going on with it.”
Under NCDOT contract requirements, snow removal equipment operated by private contractors must be inspected and approved by the agency and maintained throughout storm response operations, including meeting visibility and safety standards. Investigators are now working to determine whether those requirements were met at the time of the crash.
For the Atkins family, the focus now is on healing.
“Fifty-five years is nowhere near long enough,” Zachary Atkins said. “But we’re grateful for the time we did have with him. The outpouring of love and support from this community has been inspiring.”
State troopers say the investigation remains active.