On a quiet stretch of U.S. 29 in Greensboro, North Carolina, a night of routine misfortune turned into a heartbreaking tragedy on May 2, 2025. Christopher Hammonds, a devoted father and partner, was killed, and his fiancée, Lisa, was left fighting for her life after a vehicle struck them while they were changing a flat tire on the highway’s shoulder. The couple had pulled over with their hazard lights flashing, a precaution that should have ensured their safety. Instead, their lives were forever altered by a devastating collision that has left a family shattered and a community grappling with grief.
Christopher Hammonds, described by his loved ones as a man with an inimitable voice and a knack for bringing laughter, was a pillar of support for those around him. His sister, Connie Anderson, spoke of his unwavering presence during Lisa’s recent battle with stage 3 breast cancer, a fight she had triumphantly won just before this tragedy. Now, Lisa faces a new struggle, hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, including multiple broken bones, collapsed lungs, and internal lacerations. The physical and emotional toll is immense, as she recovers from a loss that compounds her already arduous journey.
The Hammonds family is reeling from the void left by Christopher’s death. His daughter, Tiffany Hammonds, tearfully recalled his unique humor and the warmth of his presence, knowing she will never hear his voice again. For Tiffany and her siblings, the pain is deepened by the milestones their father will miss—graduations, weddings, and the chance to become a grandfather. Anderson lamented the absence of her brother at these pivotal moments, underscoring the irreplaceable role he played in their lives.
The driver responsible for the crash, identified as 25-year-old Robert Lynn Faison Jr., was a science teacher at Dudley High School in Greensboro. Authorities determined that Faison was driving under the influence at the time of the incident, having veered off the roadway and struck the couple and their disabled vehicle. He now faces a litany of charges, including driving while impaired, felony death by vehicle, felony serious injury by vehicle, failing to maintain lane control, and failing to reduce speed to avoid a collision. Faison has been suspended from his teaching position pending the outcome of the investigation, and he was released on a $150,000 bond with a court appearance scheduled for early May.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community has rallied to support the Hammonds family. Two GoFundMe campaigns have been established—one to provide financial assistance for Christopher’s children as they navigate life without their father, and another to aid Lisa’s recovery, which is expected to be long and costly. These efforts reflect the outpouring of love and solidarity for a family struck by an unimaginable loss.
The incident has also reignited discussions about road safety and the dangers of impaired driving. North Carolina’s move-over law, which requires drivers to slow down or change lanes when passing vehicles on the roadside, is a reminder of the simple actions that can prevent such tragedies. For the Hammonds family, however, no law or precaution can undo the pain of that fateful night. As they mourn Christopher and pray for Lisa’s recovery, they hold onto memories of a man whose laughter and love will echo in their hearts forever.
