The Raleigh community is reeling after the sudden, tragic death of Bernard Wanjohi Kamara, 55, who was killed in a freak accident on Interstate 440 early Saturday morning. What should have been a routine drive turned into a nightmare in just seconds—and now his family is left grappling with loss and disbelief.
According to Raleigh police, officers responded around 6:55 a.m. to reports of a crash near the Atlantic Avenue bridge. When they arrived, they found Kamara’s Toyota RAV4 pressed against the median wall. Tragically, he had already died from his injuries before emergency help could reach him.
Investigators say the crash was caused by a runaway tire—the left-front tire of a 2013 Volkswagen Passat came loose as the vehicle crossed the Atlantic Avenue bridge. The tire traveled across the roadway, curved, then bounced over the median barrier and into the eastbound lanes, where it struck Kamara’s SUV.
Police have arrested 28-year-old Tyree McKinnie, the driver of the Passat, and charged him with involuntary manslaughter. According to some reports, he also faces counts of driving without a license and for expired vehicle registration. The investigation into the exact circumstances of how the tire came off and why remains ongoing.
The crash forced the closure of several lanes of I-440 — both eastbound and westbound inside lanes were shut for hours while authorities worked the scene. Traffic has since reopened, but the impact of what happened continues to be felt deeply.
For those who knew Bernard, the news is devastating. They describe him as a calm, compassionate man — steady, hardworking, deeply rooted in his relationships. At 55, he was building a life defined by meaningful connections and quiet integrity. His sudden loss has left a void in the hearts of those closest to him.
The community has rallied in shared grief, remembering simple moments: conversations on the phone, quiet generosity, the way he carried himself with dignity. Many are now holding onto those memories as a way to keep his spirit alive.
As days pass, Bernard’s friends and family are trying to piece together more than just what happened—how to move forward. The investigation continues, and charges against McKinnie bring a sharp reminder of how fragile life can be in a single split-second.
May Bernard Wanjohi Kamara rest in peace. And may his loved ones find strength, comfort, and healing in the outpouring of support from everyone who knew, and loved, him.
