Eric Scott Dugger Clarmont, N.C Accident, Death – The community of Newton, North Carolina, is mourning the tragic loss of 34-year-old Eric Scott Dugger, who died in a devastating motorcycle accident on Tuesday evening, September 9, 2025. The fatal collision occurred at approximately 5:10 p.m. at the intersection of NC 10 and Shiloh Road in Catawba County.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Dugger was traveling eastbound on a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle when the crash unfolded. Investigators reported that a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 55-year-old Troy Lawrence Griffith of Cumming, Georgia, attempted to make a left turn from Shiloh Road onto NC 10. In doing so, the truck pulled directly into the motorcyclist’s path, resulting in a violent collision.

Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene, but tragically, Dugger had suffered fatal injuries in the impact and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Troopers confirmed that Griffith, the driver of the pickup truck, was uninjured in the crash.

Authorities investigating the incident emphasized that neither speed nor impairment appeared to be factors in the collision. Instead, the accident highlights the dangers that motorcyclists often face at intersections, where visibility and right-of-way decisions can mean the difference between life and death.

The roadway at NC 10 and Shiloh Road was closed for approximately two hours while law enforcement officers conducted their investigation and cleared the scene. The closure caused delays for local commuters, but the priority remained documenting evidence to determine exactly how the tragic sequence of events unfolded.

For residents of Newton and the surrounding Catawba County area, Dugger’s death has struck a heavy blow. Friends, family, and community members are remembering him not only as a motorcyclist but also as a valued member of the community whose life ended far too soon. His passing is yet another reminder of the vulnerabilities motorcyclists face on North Carolina roadways, where accidents involving larger vehicles often result in disproportionate harm.

The accident involving Dugger and Griffith underscores the importance of driver awareness and caution at intersections. Motorcycles are often more difficult to spot than larger vehicles, and even a brief misjudgment of speed or distance can have catastrophic consequences. Law enforcement officials continue to stress the need for all drivers to carefully check for oncoming traffic—especially motorcycles—before making turns or crossing lanes.

As the investigation proceeds, no charges have been announced at this time. Authorities have not indicated whether further review may lead to legal consequences for the driver of the pickup truck. For now, the focus remains on honoring the memory of Eric Scott Dugger and supporting his family in their time of grief.

Dugger’s untimely passing is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life on the road. While investigators work to close the case, his family and friends are left to navigate a heartbreaking loss, remembering the life of a 34-year-old taken far too soon.