News Summary
Raleigh is devastated by a motorcycle accident involving former ECU Chancellor Daniel Joseph Gerlach, resulting in the death of 18-year-old Ethan Murillo-Ceron. Gerlach faces charges, including misdemeanor death by vehicle. A second individual, Natasha Devon Brandon, is also implicated in a hit-and-run. The community mourns and supports efforts to return Murillo-Ceron’s remains to his family in Colombia, raising over $3,300 towards the goal.
Raleigh Shaken by Tragic Motorcycle Accident Involving Former ECU Chancellor
In a shocking turn of events, Raleigh is grappling with the aftermath of a deadly motorcycle crash that occurred on February 6, 2025. The incident has led to the arrest of Daniel Joseph Gerlach, a well-known figure in the local community and a former interim chancellor at East Carolina University.
The Details of the Crash
The crash took place at the busy intersection of Falls of Neuse Road and Fairfax Drive, involving an 18-year-old motorcyclist, Ethan Murillo-Ceron. Riding a 2012 Kawasaki EX650, Murillo-Ceron was tragically struck when Gerlach allegedly made a left turn without yielding the right-of-way. Reports suggest that the failure to yield was the critical factor in this heartbreaking incident, which has left the community in mourning.
Charges Filed Against Gerlach
Gerlach, aged 57, is now facing serious consequences as he was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to yield while making a left turn. As the news of the incident spread, many were left shocked—not only due to the tragedy but also because of Gerlach’s previous prominence within the educational landscape of North Carolina. He is scheduled to make an appearance in Wake County Court on March 4, 2025.
A History of Controversy
Gerlach’s tenure as interim chancellor in 2019 ended in a swirl of controversy, sparked by photos that emerged showing him mingling with students at a bar. This past scrutiny is now overshadowed by the current situation, reminding everyone of the complexities often hidden behind prominent figures.
A Second Individual Enters the Picture
Alongside Gerlach, a second individual, Natasha Devon Brandon, aged 47, from Creedmoor, has also been charged in connection with Murillo-Ceron’s death. Brandon faces grave allegations, including felony hit-and-run with death and misdemeanor death by vehicle. Authorities indicate that Brandon, who was driving a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan, struck Murillo-Ceron after Gerlach’s initial collision. Disturbingly, she reportedly fled the scene, leading to the hit-and-run charge.
Video Evidence Raises Questions
Video footage obtained by the police has raised eyebrows and contradicted Brandon’s claims to law enforcement. The footage shows no attempt by Brandon to swerve or brake before the impact, prompting further investigation into her actions following the crash. While initial reports indicated that Gerlach was not suspected of impairment, there remain questions surrounding Brandon’s state during the incident, particularly after police discovered illegal substances inside her vehicle, including marijuana and a white powdery substance.
Community Response
The emotional toll of this incident is palpable within the Raleigh community, as friends and family mourn the loss of a young life too soon extinguished. To assist in returning Murillo-Ceron’s remains to his family in Colombia, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched, successfully raising over $3,300 towards its $10,000 goal. This collective effort speaks volumes about community support during a tragic time.
A Look at Gerlach’s Background
Before this incident, Gerlach was a notable figure in the area, having served as the head of the Golden LEAF Foundation and working as a lobbyist in Raleigh after his departure from ECU. Those who knew him are likely grappling with the duality of his professional life and the recent events casting a shadow over his past accomplishments.
This unfolding story continues to develop as more information becomes available. As the court dates approach, Raleigh watches closely, hoping for answers while mourning a tragic loss.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Raleigh in Shock Over Motorcycle Accident Involving Former Chancellor
Raleigh Community Mourns Life Lost in Motorcycle Accident
Additional Resources
- CBS17: Ex-ECU Interim Chancellor Charged in Deadly Raleigh Crash
- News Observer: Tragic Motorcycle Accident
- ABC11: High-Speed Motorcycle Chase Ends in Wake County Crash
- WRAL: Injured Car-Motorcycle Wreck
- WRAL: Motorcycle Chase Crash in Johnston County
- Wikipedia: Motorcycle Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Motorcycle
- Google Search: Motorcycle Crash Raleigh
- Google News: Raleigh Motorcycle Accident
