The small community of Morehead City, North Carolina, is reeling from the devastating loss of 22-year-old Seth Zachary Talob, a vibrant young man whose life was cut short in a tragic head-on collision on March 9, 2025. Authorities have identified Talob as one of two drivers involved in the fatal crash that occurred in Jones County, a somber event that also claimed the life of 37-year-old Satisha Latayan Ward of Kinston. The incident, which unfolded in the pre-dawn hours on Highway 70 near Dover, has left families, friends, and local residents grappling with grief and searching for answers.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol detailed the circumstances of the accident, which took place at approximately 3:50 a.m. near mile marker 392. Talob, driving a Honda Civic, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of the highway. Investigators noted that he was moving at a normal rate of speed, but his vehicle was inexplicably on the wrong side of the road. At the same moment, Ward was driving eastbound in her Dodge Hornet, adhering to the correct direction and speed for that stretch of Highway 70. The two vehicles met in a catastrophic head-on collision, the force of which ignited both cars in flames.
A state trooper stationed in New Bern had received a report of a wrong-way driver and was dispatched to intercept the situation. Despite the officer’s efforts to reach the scene, the distance proved too great, and the trooper arrived only after the collision had occurred. Emergency responders found both vehicles engulfed in fire, and despite their rapid response, Talob and Ward could not be saved. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, their lives extinguished in an instant by the violent crash.
Born on July 7, 2002, in Morehead City, Seth Talob was the son of Robert Crawford Talob and Tracy Rose Talob. A graduate of West Carteret High School, he had continued his education at Carteret Community College and found a sense of purpose working at the Morehead City Country Club. Known for his artistic talents, Talob expressed himself through drawings, photography, and a keen eye for beauty that touched those around him. Friends and family remember him as a stylish individual with a love for fashionable boots, a playful spirit who enjoyed beach outings, and a devoted pet owner who cherished his cats. Above all, he was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and cousin, whose warm presence left an indelible mark on his community.
Satisha Ward, the other victim of this tragedy, was a 37-year-old resident of Kinston whose life was equally cherished by those who knew her. While less is publicly known about her personal story at this stage, her loss has undoubtedly rippled through her own circle of loved ones, compounding the sorrow felt across the region.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing as authorities seek to understand why Talob was driving against traffic. Was it a moment of confusion, a lapse in judgment, or some other factor that led to this fatal error? Highway 70, a well-traveled route in eastern North Carolina, has seen its share of accidents, but this incident stands out for its sheer devastation. The North Carolina Highway Patrol continues to piece together evidence, including witness accounts and any available footage, though the full picture may take time to emerge.
In Morehead City, a celebration of Seth Talob’s life is scheduled for March 21 at 3 p.m. at Munden Funeral Home, where Rev. Johnny Thompson will officiate. The service will offer a chance for the community to come together, share memories, and find solace amid their mourning. For those unable to attend, the event will be streamed online, a testament to the far-reaching impact of Talob’s life. Meanwhile, the loss of Satisha Ward will surely be mourned in its own heartfelt way by her family and friends in Kinston.
This heartbreaking collision serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of the roads we travel. As Jones County and its surrounding communities process this double tragedy, the focus remains on honoring the memories of Seth Talob and Satisha Ward—two lives lost too soon, forever linked by a single, fateful moment on Highway 70.