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By Adam J. Langino, Esq.

Family Traveling to Visit Relatives Killed in Head‑On North Carolina Crash

A tragic head‑on collision on Interstate 95 in Robeson County, North Carolina has claimed the lives of three members of the same family who were traveling north to visit relatives. According to reporting by News 12 Westchester, the victims were Anastasia “Tasia” Zervakis, her young daughter Gisele Beniquez, and Gisele’s father, Eddie Beniquez. The family had been traveling from Florida to visit loved ones in the Middletown, New York area when the fatal crash occurred. The collision has drawn attention not only for the profound human loss involved, but also for broader safety and accountability issues surrounding head‑on crashes on North Carolina highways. Authorities have indicated that charges are pending against the other driver involved, signaling that investigators believe the crash may have been preventable.

What Is Known About the Crash

Public reporting indicates that the fatal collision occurred on a Saturday in mid‑March on Interstate 95 in Robeson County. Initial accounts describe a head‑on impact—one of the most dangerous types of roadway collisions due to the combined speed and force of both vehicles. Emergency responders pronounced all three members of the family dead at the scene. While investigators have not released full details about how the vehicles came into contact, authorities have stated that charges are pending against the other driver. That language is significant in serious motor‑vehicle investigations and often suggests that law enforcement believes the facts may support criminal or quasi‑criminal responsibility, such as reckless driving, impaired driving, or crossing the center line or median.

The Unique Dangers of Head‑On Collisions

Head‑on crashes represent a relatively small percentage of all automobile collisions, yet they account for a disproportionate share of roadway fatalities nationwide. By their nature, these collisions often involve extreme closing speeds and limited opportunity for evasive action. When one vehicle enters the wrong lane or crosses a divided roadway, occupants of the oncoming vehicle are exposed to sudden, catastrophic forces with little warning. On major corridors like Interstate 95—which runs the length of North Carolina and carries heavy commercial and passenger traffic—these risks can be magnified. Fatigue, distraction, impaired driving, improper passing, and loss of vehicle control are all known contributors to wrong‑way or center‑line‑crossing crashes on interstate highways.

Accountability When a Crash Is Preventable

When a fatal collision occurs because a driver fails to follow basic safety rules, the legal system provides mechanisms to examine what went wrong and who should be held responsible. In North Carolina, the same conduct that gives rise to criminal charges may also support a civil wrongful death claim by the victim’s estate. Civil accountability focuses on whether a driver breached a duty of care owed to others on the roadway and whether that breach caused the loss of life. In cases involving head‑on crashes, key questions often include:

  • Whether the other driver crossed the center line or median without justification

  • Whether impairment, distraction, or fatigue played a role

  • Whether speed or aggressive driving contributed to loss of control

  • Whether prior driving history or earlier warnings could have prevented the crash

These questions become especially important when entire families are lost, leaving multiple generations affected by a single moment of preventable conduct.

The Human Cost Extends Far Beyond the Roadway

In this case, loved ones described the victims as deeply connected to family across multiple states. According to the reporting, communities in both New York and Florida have rallied around the surviving family members, with online fundraisers raising significant funds to help cover funeral and related expenses. The widespread response reflects the magnitude of the loss and the reality that catastrophic crashes reverberate through families and communities long after the roadway is cleared. North Carolina law recognizes this reality. Wrongful death claims are intended not only to address economic losses, but also the loss of care, companionship, guidance, and support that family members would have provided over a lifetime.

Why Investigation Quality Matters in Interstate Crashes

Serious interstate crashes often involve complex investigations. Evidence may include vehicle data, roadway design and conditions, crash reconstruction analysis, surveillance or traffic camera footage, and witness statements from multiple jurisdictions. In cases where charges are pending, careful coordination between law enforcement agencies and legal counsel is critical to ensure that evidence is preserved and evaluated correctly. When crashes involve out‑of‑state families traveling through North Carolina—as in this case—the stakes are even higher. Families may be unfamiliar with local procedures, timelines, or legal standards, yet critical decisions about investigations and claims are often made early.

Moving Forward After Catastrophic Loss

No legal process can undo the loss of a parent or child. However, accountability plays an essential role in acknowledging harm, correcting dangerous conduct, and promoting safer roadways. Civil investigations can uncover failures that criminal proceedings alone may not fully address, including systemic issues related to road safety, enforcement, or vehicle operation. As authorities continue their investigation and consider charges, families affected by fatal crashes often face unanswered questions about why the collision occurred and whether it could have been prevented. A thorough, independent legal review can help ensure that those questions are answered with clarity and care.

North Carolina Focus: Interstate Safety Matters Statewide

Interstate 95 is one of North Carolina’s most heavily traveled highways, connecting communities from the South Carolina border through Robeson, Cumberland, Johnston, and Wilson counties before continuing north. Crashes on this corridor impact not only local residents, but families passing through the state to reach destinations across the East Coast. Preventable head‑on collisions along this route underscore the importance of safe driving conduct and meaningful accountability when tragedy occurs.

Conclusion

The deaths of Anastasia “Tasia” Zervakis, Gisele Beniquez, and Eddie Beniquez serve as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be lost when roadway safety breaks down. As the investigation continues and potential charges are evaluated, the focus remains on accountability, prevention, and the lasting impact on the families left behind. Thoughtful examination of these tragedies is essential—not only to honor the victims, but to reduce the risk of similar losses in the future.

Contact Langino Law PLLC

Langino Law PLLC represents individuals and families affected by catastrophic motor‑vehicle collisions and wrongful death across North Carolina. The firm focuses on evidence‑driven investigations and accountability in serious injury and loss‑of‑life cases. For a confidential consultation, Langino Law can be reached at 888‑254‑3521, or through the firm’s contact page at https://www.langinolaw.com/contact.

  1. Gomez, Blaise. “Family Traveling to Visit Orange County Relatives Killed in Head-On North Carolina Crash.” News 12 Westchester, Mar. 18, 2026.