In the pre-dawn stillness of August 19, 2025, the quiet coastal town of Corolla, North Carolina, was shattered by a devastating high-speed crash that claimed the lives of two men and left another injured. The incident, which unfolded on NC 12 near North Harbor View, has left the community grappling with grief and serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the perils of reckless driving.
At approximately 12:25 a.m., a 2023 Ford Explorer barreled north along the scenic highway, driven by 65-year-old Rosario Edgar of Marietta, Georgia. Authorities report that Edgar was traveling at an excessive speed when the vehicle veered off the roadway to the right, colliding with an embankment in a violent jolt. The impact sent the SUV tumbling, overturning multiple times in a chaotic spiral that ended in tragedy.
In the front passenger seat was 22-year-old Nicholas Danbrowney of Barnegat, New Jersey, a young man whose life was cut short in the blink of an eye. Unrestrained by a seatbelt, Danbrowney was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover, suffering catastrophic injuries. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene, a heartbreaking loss that has left his family and friends in profound sorrow.
Edgar, the driver, was rushed to Outer Banks Health Hospital, where medical staff fought to save him. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries, adding to the weight of the tragedy. A third passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed, was transported to Chesapeake Hospital with injuries that, mercifully, were described as non-life-threatening. The survivor’s condition offers a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation, though the emotional scars of the incident will undoubtedly linger.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol, tasked with piecing together the events of that fateful night, has identified speed and the failure to wear a seatbelt as critical factors in the crash’s severity. The absence of a seatbelt proved fatal for Danbrowney, and investigators are urging drivers to heed this tragic lesson. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of high-speed driving and the importance of buckling up,” a spokesperson for the Highway Patrol said, their words echoing a plea for safer roads.
NC 12, a lifeline through the Outer Banks known for its breathtaking views and winding paths, became the scene of an avoidable catastrophe. The Corolla community, a tight-knit haven where locals and visitors alike cherish the serenity of the coast, now mourns the loss of two lives. Rosario Edgar, a man in the later chapters of his life, and Nicholas Danbrowney, a young soul with dreams yet to be fulfilled, leave behind families forever changed by their absence.
As the investigation continues, authorities are calling on motorists to slow down and prioritize safety, hoping to prevent another tragedy from shattering lives along this picturesque stretch of highway. The echoes of that early Tuesday morning crash will linger in Corolla, a somber reminder that every journey carries the weight of responsibility.
