Officials with the N.C. Highway Patrol have released the name of the victim in Wednesday’s fatal accident on N.C. 24, just outside of Clinton.

Silvano Verde, 31, of 219 Russell St., Clinton, was killed as a result of a two-car collision that took place at 5:44 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Verde was a passenger riding in the back seat of a 1995 Nissan driven by Celio Jacome, 27, of 1753 N.C. Highway 24, Turkey, along with another passenger, Jeremy Chapas, 31, of 325 McKoy St., Clinton, who was riding in the passenger seat of the car. Reports show they were hit head-on while driving east on N.C. 24.

The car that hit them was a 2001 Honda, driven by Israel Rosado Perez, 36, of 705 Woodland Church Road, Albertson in Duplin County.

According to officials with the Highway Patrol, Perez crossed the center line and hit Jacome’s car head on. It was not known exactly why Perez’s car veered into the opposite lane. Charges are still pending in the case.

Jacome, Chapas and Perez were sent to Sampson Regional Medical Center and treated for injures sustained in the collision. According to reports, the injuries were non-life threatening.

Ann Butler, vice president of communications and public relations for Sampson Regional Medical Center, did not immediately return calls Thursday.

Verde’s death is the 18th fatality on Sampson County roadways this year.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.