Tragedy on Mt. Misery Road: Leland Man Killed in Fatal Car Crash Involving Alcohol
Leland, North Carolina — A somber mood hangs over the Leland community following a devastating car crash that took the life of a longtime resident, 60-year-old James Alex Jones, on the evening of Thursday, June 6, 2025. The fatal collision, which occurred around 9:40 p.m. in the 3100 block of Mt. Misery Road, has sent shockwaves through the area, as authorities have since confirmed that alcohol impairment played a central role in the tragedy.
According to initial reports from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, the crash involved two vehicles and was described as “violent” and “avoidable.” James Alex Jones, who was driving one of the vehicles, succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite the efforts of first responders who arrived within minutes of the 911 call.
Witnesses described hearing a loud impact followed by silence, before sirens echoed through the rural corridor of Mt. Misery Road—a two-lane roadway often used by locals for its quicker access to nearby neighborhoods and highways. Emergency crews, including Leland Fire & Rescue, attempted lifesaving measures, but it was quickly determined that Mr. Jones had sustained fatal trauma.
The other driver, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was taken into custody at the scene after field sobriety tests indicated impairment due to alcohol. Further blood toxicology testing is pending, but authorities have already confirmed that charges of felony death by motor vehicle and driving while impaired (DWI) have been filed. Additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues.
Mr. Jones, described by neighbors as a quiet, hardworking man with deep roots in the Leland area, had lived in Brunswick County for most of his life. Family members said he was out running an errand when the crash occurred—a routine evening turned deadly due to what authorities are calling “reckless and criminal negligence.”
“He was just going to grab a few things and was supposed to be home in an hour,” said a grieving relative. “Now we’re planning a funeral instead.”
Community members have expressed anger and frustration, not only at the senseless loss but at the continued problem of drunk driving in rural and suburban parts of North Carolina. Many have taken to social media to share memories of Mr. Jones and to call for stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns to combat impaired driving.
“This was not just an accident—it was a decision that someone made to get behind the wheel after drinking,” said Leland resident Teresa Matthews, who lives near the crash site. “It cost a good man his life.”
In the days following the crash, a small memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes began to appear on the shoulder of Mt. Misery Road, just feet from where the wreck occurred. Loved ones, neighbors, and even strangers have come by to pay their respects to a man many described as “humble” and “kind-hearted.”
James Alex Jones is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings, and a host of extended family members and friends who now face the difficult task of saying goodbye to someone taken far too soon. Plans for a memorial service are underway, with the family requesting privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the crash to contact the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division, and they continue to investigate the exact sequence of events leading up to the collision.
As the community mourns, the tragic loss of James Alex Jones stands as a stark and painful reminder of the deadly consequences of impaired driving—and a call for renewed vigilance to ensure that no more lives are lost to such preventable acts.