Tragic Collision in Chowan County Claims Life of Local Farmer
Chowan County, NC – A devastating accident involving a farm tractor and a commercial tanker truck on Tuesday, March 26, 2025, resulted in the tragic death of 48-year-old Jimmie Parrish III, a respected farmer and resident of Edenton, North Carolina.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident occurred around 12:20 p.m. on Highway 32, just before the Albemarle Sound Bridge, a rural stretch of road frequently traveled by both farmers and commercial transporters.
According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol (NCHP), Jimmie Parrish III was operating a John Deere farm tractor, which was equipped with a hydraulic Rhino blade at the rear. As Parrish attempted to make a left turn onto a farm path, a tanker truck hauling liquid nitrogen was in the process of overtaking him.
The tanker truck struck the rear blade attachment of the tractor, resulting in a violent impact. The collision forced the tractor off the road, where it hit a ditch and overturned. Tragically, Parrish was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.
Meanwhile, the tanker truck also lost control, veered off the road, and came to a stop partially in a nearby field. The driver of the tanker truck was not injured, but the accident remains under active investigation.
Ongoing Investigation & Safety Concerns
The North Carolina Highway Patrol is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Authorities are examining factors such as:
🔹 Road conditions and visibility at the time of the accident
🔹 Speed of the tanker truck and whether proper precautions were taken
🔹 Traffic laws regarding passing farm equipment on rural highways
It has not yet been determined whether any charges will be filed, and officials are reviewing traffic footage and interviewing potential witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the fatal collision.
This accident highlights a growing concern in rural areas where slow-moving farm vehicles share roads with larger commercial trucks and passenger cars. Despite safety measures such as reflective warning signs and flashing lights, accidents involving tractors remain a persistent hazard.
Remembering Jimmie Parrish III
The death of Jimmie Parrish III is a heartbreaking loss for the Edenton farming community. Known for his strong work ethic, dedication to agriculture, and friendly nature, Parrish played a vital role in the local farming industry.
🔸 Friends, family, and fellow farmers are mourning his sudden passing, remembering him as a kind and hardworking individual.
🔸 His commitment to agriculture made him a respected figure in the community, always willing to lend a helping hand.
🔸 He was a beloved son, father, and friend, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
As loved ones gather to honor his memory, the community is calling for increased awareness regarding roadway safety for farm equipment operators. Farmers, truck drivers, and motorists alike are being urged to exercise caution and patience when traveling on rural roads.
A Call for Safer Roads
Tragic accidents like this emphasize the need for:
✔ Better signage and warnings on rural roads where farm vehicles are present
✔ Stronger traffic enforcement to regulate passing laws involving tractors
✔ Educational campaigns to raise awareness among drivers about sharing roads with farm equipment
As the investigation continues, the family of Jimmie Parrish III is expected to release information regarding memorial services and funeral arrangements in the coming days.
🚨 Anyone with additional information regarding the crash is encouraged to contact the North Carolina Highway Patrol at (919) 733-7952.
The Edenton community will forever remember Jimmie Parrish III for his dedication to farming, his generosity, and the legacy he leaves behind. May his family find strength during this difficult time.