What began as a typical Wednesday evening in Fayetteville turned into a devastating tragedy when 22-year-old Trenton Wayne Thompson lost his life in a violent multi-vehicle collision on October 29, 2025. The crash, which occurred just before 6 p.m. along Gillespie Street, has left an entire community mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a young man described by loved ones as full of life and ambition.
Trenton Wayne Thompson Car Accident
According to the Fayetteville Police Department, the fatal crash happened around 5:51 p.m. near Southern Avenue and the NCDOT Transportation Office. Preliminary reports indicate that Trenton was traveling southbound on his black 2014 Yamaha motorcycle when a gray 2015 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 43-year-old Hector Elias-Burgos, attempted to make a left turn toward Southern Avenue.
In a tragic instant, the Equinox crossed directly into the path of Trenton’s motorcycle. The impact was severe, throwing Trenton from his bike and sending debris scattering across the intersection. The force of the collision caused the Equinox to spin out and crash into a red 2005 GMC Envoy, driven by 65-year-old Larry Wayne Barber, who had been waiting at the intersection.
Barber fortunately escaped injury, but the aftermath was catastrophic. Emergency responders arrived within minutes to find Trenton critically injured on the roadway. Despite rapid transport to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and exhaustive efforts by medical personnel, he was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Elias-Burgos and his passenger, 35-year-old Edwin Colon, sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. Both, along with Barber, remained on site and fully cooperated with investigators. The Fayetteville Police Traffic Unit continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including speed, visibility, and possible right-of-way violations. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Detective Deal at 910-584-3692 or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Community in Mourning
In the hours following the tragedy, an outpouring of grief has swept through Fayetteville. Friends, family, and coworkers describe Trenton Thompson as a kind-hearted and determined young man whose laughter and positive spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
“He was the type of person who could light up a room with just his presence,” one close friend shared. “It’s hard to believe he’s gone. He had so many dreams ahead of him.”
As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the crash, the community continues to honor Trenton’s memory—reflecting on a life full of promise, cut short far too soon.