An agent loses control of his patrol car: he kills his brother, also a policeman, and a driver

David K. Li

A North Carolina Highway Patrol officer who lost control of his patrol caused a fatal accident in which a motorist and another state trooper who turned out to be his own brother was killed, authorities said Tuesday.

Officer John Horton had pulled onto the highway to stop a driver just before 9:00 p.m. local time Monday when the incident unfolded near the High Shoals Church and Goodes Grove Church roads in County of Rutherford, about 60 miles west of downtown Charlotte, according to authorities.

Officer James Horton was going to assist the other officer

when he "lost control of his vehicle as he approached the stopped cars" and "collided with the parked police car and subsequently struck Officer John Horton and the detained driver who were stopped at a side of the road, ”Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Chris Knox said in a statement.

North Carolina Highway Patrol Agent John Horton, who was killed in a traffic accident North Carolina Department of Public Safety

John Horton, who had worked as a police officer for 15 years, was rushed to a hospital in nearby Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he died, Knox reported.

The motorist, 26-year-old South Carolina resident Dusty Luke Beck, was pronounced dead at the crash site, authorities said.

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Although the sky was clear in that area by 9 p.m., shortly before, about an inch of rain had fallen and temperatures had dropped to 30 degrees Fahrenheit by dusk.

Under these circumstances, a road that had not received proper treatment could have become slippery with ice.

However,

"The investigation is still ongoing and no conclusions have been reached at this time," Knox said in a statement.

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James Horton "was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and has now been discharged," he added.

"Our hearts are broken for the loss of our friend and brother, Police Officer John Horton," Highway Patrol Commander Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr. said in a statement.

Our hearts are shattered "

Colonel FREDDY L. JOHNSON JR.

"For all who were involved in this tragic event, there is no doubt that the next few days will be difficult, but we are committed to them in our thoughts, prayers and unwavering support," he stated.

Authorities have not disclosed why they detained the driver.

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John Horton was married with six children

, said Lindsay LiCausi, executive director of Back the Blue NC (Supports the Blues), a law enforcement advocacy group.

“We mourn the loss of two people who were tragically killed in an accident in Rutherford County last night, including Highway Patrol Agent John Horton.

We are deeply grateful for your service to the people of North Carolina, ”Governor Roy Cooper said in a statement.