Rising Country Artist John King Involved in Deadly Car Crash

John King, a rising country artist signed to the Black River Entertainment record label, was involved in a fatal car crash on Saturday night (Aug. 16) while traveling to a concert.

The T-top of a car driven by 24-year-old Erik Overton and headed westbound from Kitty Hawk, N.C., to Point Harbor, N.C., on U.S. 158 flew off just before 1:15AM on Saturday morning, reports the Outer Banks Voice. Overton stopped the car in the road on the Wright Memorial Bridge, got out and tried to remove the T-top from the road.

While Overton's car was stopped in the traveling lane, King, who was driving an SUV and pulling a trailer containing his band's gear, struck the car from behind. Overton's passenger, 35-year-old Manisha Coleman, was thrown from the car and died at the scene. Neither speed nor alcohol were factors in the crash, according to investigators, and no charges have been filed.

Overton, who either jumped from the bridge or fell into the water below, King and three of his bandmates were taken to the Outer Banks Hospital as a precaution. Two of King's band members were transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

"Me and all the guys were hospitalized but have all been released and are doing better everyday," King writes on Facebook. "Our heartfelt and deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones involved. We will continue to pray for God’s healing of all those who were injured in this terrible accident and for the strength to get through this incredibly difficult time."

King's debut single, "Tonight, Tonight," reached the Top 40 when it was released in 2014. According to his website, the 26-year-old Georgia native's next show is scheduled for Aug. 29 in Clarkesville, Ga.

Country Artists Who Have Suffered Terrible Tragedies