Harnett County, North Carolina — June 7, 2026 — According to WRAL, a truck driver charged in connection with a fatal crash that claimed the life of a child has been released from custody after posting bond, according to court records.

Truck Driver Released on Bond

David Allen Cuellar, 63, was released from the Harnett County Jail after paying a $5,000 bond while awaiting his next scheduled court appearance.

The collision occurred along NC Highway 87. According to investigators, Cuellar was operating a tractor-trailer when he allegedly failed to slow for stopped traffic at a signalized intersection. Troopers say the truck struck the rear of a Hyundai Palisade, forcing the SUV into a nearby Chevrolet Tahoe.

Authorities reported that an 8-year-old boy died as a result of the crash. A 9-year-old girl also suffered serious injuries and was transported for medical treatment.

A memorial has since been established near the crash site, where community members continue to mourn the loss.

Residents and employees of nearby businesses told reporters that collisions along this stretch of NC-87 are not uncommon. Several witnesses said they regularly observe crashes in the area and expressed concern about traffic conditions and the volume of commercial truck traffic traveling through the corridor.

Daisy Monjaras, who works at a nearby business, said she frequently sees tractor-trailers traveling along the roadway and believes additional safety measures should be considered. She noted concerns about speeding in an area where the posted speed limit is 55 miles per hour and called for changes that could help reduce future crashes.

Cuellar has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to reduce speed. He is expected to return to court in August as the case proceeds.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.