In Loving Memory of
SANFORD, N.C. — The community of Harnett County is united in sorrow following a devastating head-on collision that claimed the lives of three individuals early Saturday morning, including 28-year-old William T. Underwood. The tragic accident on NC-87 near Broadway Road has left families shattered, friends heartbroken, and an entire community struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the loss.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a Toyota Camry crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Chevy Z71 driven by William. The impact was catastrophic. William was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators later reported that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. Two of the three passengers in the Camry — all members of the military stationed at Fort Bragg — also tragically lost their lives. A third passenger was transported to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition as the community continues to pray for their recovery.
While the details of the crash are sobering, today we pause to remember William not for the way his life ended, but for the way he lived.
At just 28 years old, William T. Underwood was in the midst of building his future. He carried hopes, ambitions, and dreams that stretched far beyond that stretch of highway. Those who knew him speak of a young man with determination and heart — someone who valued hard work, loyalty, and connection. He was a son whose presence brought pride to his family, a friend whose reliability made him a constant source of support, and a member of the community whose life intertwined with many others in meaningful ways.
William’s life was filled with everyday moments that now feel extraordinary in their absence — shared meals, late-night conversations, laughter with friends, and time spent with loved ones. These simple yet powerful memories now serve as reminders of the impact he made in his 28 years.
The loss of three lives in a single moment has left Harnett County shaken. Roads that once symbolized routine travel now carry the weight of grief. Families are mourning not just one life, but several — each unique, each valuable, each deeply loved. The tragedy has also cast a shadow over the military community connected to Fort Bragg, where service members stand together not only in duty but in shared sorrow.
In moments like these, communities are reminded of how fragile life can be. A single instant can change everything. The heartbreak felt today underscores the importance of cherishing one another, extending grace, and prioritizing safety in every journey we take.
To William’s family, the pain of this loss is unimaginable. No words can replace his voice, his presence, or the future that was ahead of him. Yet may you find comfort in knowing that his life mattered — that he was loved deeply and that his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who carry him with them.
As prayers continue for the critically injured survivor and as investigators work to understand every detail of the crash, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost. William T. Underwood’s story does not end on NC-87. It lives on in the laughter he shared, the love he gave, and the legacy of connection he leaves behind.
Rest peacefully, William.
You are deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.








