HALLSBORO, N.C. (WECT) – A former police officer is dead after an accident in Hallsboro, North Carolina on Friday.

State Highway Patrol says a head-on collision happened around 3:45 p.m. 51-year-old Clay Hagood was driving on Hallsboro Road near Barney Tyler Road in Columbus County when he drifted over the center line, striking another car.

Hagood died on the scene. The other driver was injured according to State Highway Patrol.

Hagood worked as an officer with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Department, Whiteville Police Department, and before retiring, the Tabor City Police Department.

The Tabor City Police Chief reflected on his lifetime of service.

“He came and he worked with me for about two years. A very outstanding individual, he had a charisma about him that everybody liked. He was always humble and honest,” says Chief Donald Dowless.

Hagood was also involved in another serious crash years ago while on his way to work for the department.

“I think he encountered two or three deers and he tried to stop and the curb was real sharp, he slid off the road, and the side of the road was slick and wet and he ran on over into the woods,” says Chief Dowless.

And while he walked away from that accident unharmed, Dowless says it’s awful that the crash Friday had a much different outcome. He says it’s a reminder that road safety should be everyone’s priority.

“Always pay attention to what you’re doing, be alert, watch the other driver, watch yourself and it will make the road a whole lot safer,” says Chief Dowless.

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