Hyde County, North Carolina – A devastating early-morning crash in Hyde County has left two men dead after the truck they were in reversed into a canal on State Game Lands. The incident, which occurred shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Friday, claimed the lives of John Fields, 38, and his passenger Timothy Hubbard, 39. The tragic accident has left their families, friends, and colleagues in mourning, while also raising concerns about safety on rural roads and the perils of navigating narrow paths at night.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Fields, the Chief Operating Officer of Parker Oil Co Inc., was driving a pickup truck when he attempted to reverse on a narrow, unpaved path. The truck suddenly backed into a canal, flipped onto its roof, and became fully submerged in the water. Despite emergency responders’ efforts to save the men, both Fields and Hubbard were pronounced dead at the scene.

A third passenger, 33-year-old Robert Nunnery of Grimesland, miraculously escaped the wreckage. He managed to flee the overturned truck and survived the harrowing ordeal, though he was reportedly injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition is currently stable, and authorities are continuing to investigate how he was able to escape the wreck.

The Crash: A Sudden and Tragic Accident

The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, but authorities have said that Fields was driving on a narrow path in the State Game Lands area, an isolated and rural part of Hyde County. The truck was reportedly reversing when it lost control and fell into the canal, causing it to flip over. The remote location of the crash site, which is surrounded by swampy terrain and dense foliage, made rescue efforts especially challenging for emergency responders.

The canal into which the truck overturned was deep, and the vehicle quickly became submerged in the water, trapping the two men inside. According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, both Fields and Hubbard were unable to escape the wreckage, and emergency personnel were unable to revive them despite immediate attempts to rescue them.

“Upon arrival, we found the truck overturned in the water,” said Sergeant Danielle Turner, spokesperson for the North Carolina Highway Patrol. “The scene was very challenging due to the location and the depth of the canal. Unfortunately, both men were pronounced dead at the scene.”

Fields and Hubbard, both from Virginia, were part of a small group that had traveled to Hyde County for what authorities suspect was a recreational or work-related trip. Details regarding the purpose of their visit have not yet been fully disclosed, but their untimely deaths have left their families and colleagues devastated.

John Fields: A Dedicated Leader and Family Man

John Fields was a highly respected figure in the local business community as the Chief Operating Officer of Parker Oil Co Inc., a well-established company in Virginia. Fields had worked tirelessly throughout his career, earning a reputation for his leadership, work ethic, and dedication to both his job and his family. Colleagues at Parker Oil have expressed their sorrow over his sudden passing, describing him as a man who was always focused on making a difference, both at work and in his personal life.

“He was a leader, a mentor, and a true friend,” said one of Fields’ longtime colleagues at Parker Oil. “His impact on the company was immeasurable. He was always looking out for others, and his dedication to his work and his family was unmatched. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.”

In addition to his professional achievements, Fields was also a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their young daughter, who are now facing the unimaginable loss of a husband and father. Family members have expressed their devastation at his passing, noting that his kind and supportive nature made him a pillar of strength in their lives.

“He was everything to us,” said Sarah Fields, in an emotional statement. “John was not only a dedicated father and husband but also a person who cared deeply about the people around him. Our hearts are shattered, and we are trying to process this unbearable loss.”

Timothy Hubbard: A Lifelong Friend and Colleague

Timothy Hubbard, the second victim of the crash, was also a well-known figure in his community, with many friends and family describing him as a caring and loyal person who always put others before himself. Hubbard had worked in various capacities with Fields over the years and had developed a close personal and professional bond with him. The two men were described as lifelong friends who shared not only a working relationship but also a deep connection built on trust and camaraderie.

“Timothy was the kind of guy who would do anything for those he loved,” said a friend of Hubbard’s. “He had a heart of gold, and his friendship meant the world to those who knew him. His loss, alongside John’s, has left a huge hole in the lives of so many.”

Friends and family of Hubbard have expressed their grief over the loss, with many offering their condolences to both the Hubbard and Fields families. Hubbard’s death, while devastating, has only heightened the collective sorrow surrounding the tragedy.

Robert Nunnery: The Sole Survivor

Robert Nunnery, the third passenger in the truck, was the sole survivor of the accident. He managed to escape the wreckage of the submerged truck and make his way to safety, though he was reportedly injured during the incident. Nunnery was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, where he is currently in stable condition. Authorities have stated that they are still gathering information about the events leading up to the crash, and are particularly focused on how Nunnery was able to survive the ordeal while the others did not.

While the full details of Nunnery’s escape are still unclear, his survival has been viewed as nothing short of miraculous by those involved in the investigation. “We’re thankful that Robert was able to escape the wreckage and survive,” said Sergeant Turner. “His ability to make it out of the truck and get to safety is a testament to his resilience, and we’re just grateful that he made it out alive.”

Nunnery has not yet commented publicly on the crash, but those close to him have expressed relief that he is recovering. His family is reportedly focused on supporting him through his physical and emotional recovery, as the trauma of surviving such a horrific accident is undoubtedly overwhelming.

The Community Grieves: A Devastating Loss for Both Families

The tragedy has left both families heartbroken and the entire community of Parker Oil Co Inc. in mourning. While Fields’ immediate family is dealing with the profound loss of a husband and father, Hubbard’s loved ones are similarly reeling from the sudden death of a cherished family member. The ripple effect of this accident has extended beyond their immediate circles, with colleagues, friends, and local residents struggling to come to terms with the tragic events.

In the wake of the accident, friends, coworkers, and neighbors have come together to support the families of both Fields and Hubbard. Memorials are being planned for both men, with friends and colleagues organizing a fundraiser to assist the families with funeral expenses and to provide support during this difficult time.

Investigation into the Crash: What Went Wrong?

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, and while it is too early to determine the exact factors that contributed to the accident, initial reports suggest that the narrowness of the path, combined with the darkness of the early morning hours, may have played a role in the incident. The truck’s sudden reversal into the canal, which resulted in the vehicle flipping over and becoming submerged, points to a tragic series of misfortunes that led to the loss of two lives.

Authorities are reviewing all available evidence, including the truck’s condition, the actions of the driver, and the environmental factors at the time of the crash. As of now, there is no indication of foul play or impairment, but the investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge in the coming days.

A Community Forever Changed

In Hyde County, the grief over the deaths of John Fields and Timothy Hubbard has left the community reeling. Their tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and how fragile it can be. As the families and friends of the two men navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, they are comforted by the outpouring of support from their communities, and by the knowledge that the memories of John and Timothy will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.

As the investigation continues, the community is holding their loved ones close, and the families of Fields and Hubbard are finding strength in each other as they mourn the loss of two remarkable men.