Hobbton community rallies around teen seriously injured in motorcycle wreck
May 25—The community is rallying around a Hobbton High School student, who was seriously injured when his motorcycle collided with a van late Monday night.
Jackson Woodcock, 18, was traveling eastbound on N.C. 55 ,reportedly headed home from work and was not far from his Dallie Road, Faison, residence, when a van pulled out in front of his path at the intersection of Creel Road. The van, being driven by Taylor Leigh Rakestraw, 23, of Newton Grove, was traveling westbound on N.C. 55 when she went to make a left turn onto Creel Road, according to reports from the N.C. Highway Patrol in Sampson County.
Woodcock was wearing a helmet, but was severely injured in the wreck, which happened just a few tenths of a mile from the Wayne County line. His motorcycle was traveling about 55 mph — the speed limit — and investigating Trooper Doug Tew said there was simply no time to react. Rakestraw said she never saw the motorcycle, according to Tew.
Sampson County EMS personnel responded to the wreck and East Care was called to assist. A unit landed in Newton Grove and Woodcock was airlifted to WakeMed, where he is currently recovering.
Tew said Thursday that Woodcock's condition was "stable, but still very critical." One of Woodcock's cousins is a trooper in Wilson County and has been able to communicate with Tew, and vice-versa.
The Hobbton community has urged prayers for all involved and a message from Faison Baptist Church asked for the same. Woodcock is a junior at Hobbton High. His severe injuries happened just a day before a Hobbton middle schooler, Curtis Brown Jr., 13, was killed as he walked along Keener Road (see related story on today's front page).
The church message said that Woodcock suffered massive injuries and had to have open heart surgery conducted. Woodcock also reportedly had to have his leg left amputated at the knee. Along with head trauma, he also sustained significant injuries to both arms.
Tew said it was a tragic situation, and one that served as a reminder to be watchful of all motorists, not just cars.
"You've really got to watch out for motorcycles; you've really got to share the road with these guys," said Tew. "They're a smaller object coming down the road and you can miss them. She said she just didn't see him."
Rakestraw was charged with failure to yield.
Days removed from the accident, Tew said he and others were hopeful for "signs of improvement" with Woodcock.
Many across the community were rallying around Woodcock. A vehicle meet fundraiser is currently scheduled for this Monday, May 29, at Weeks Park in Newton Grove. It will start at noon and go until "whenever." The plan is to "come show your love and let's pray for Jackson."
