The community of Wake Forest, North Carolina, is grappling with a profound tragedy following a deadly wrong-way crash that claimed the life of 24-year-old Katana Perry of Raleigh late on the night of May 20, 2025. This catastrophic accident has left friends, family, and neighbors mourning a vibrant young woman whose life was abruptly cut short, while authorities pursue justice and continue their investigation into the harrowing event.
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The fatal collision occurred around 11:15 p.m. on the northbound lanes of Capital Boulevard near Star Road, a busy stretch of highway known as US 1. Emergency responders from the Wake Forest Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol quickly arrived on the scene to find a devastating multi-vehicle crash involving three cars. Despite their swift efforts, Perry, a passenger in one of the vehicles, was pronounced dead at the site. Three other individuals involved in the crash, including the driver responsible for the wrong-way travel, were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
According to investigators, 74-year-old Willie Gene Coleman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was driving southbound in the northbound lanes—a grave violation that triggered the tragic collision. Coleman’s vehicle first struck a car operated by 36-year-old Barrett Carter of Raleigh. Subsequently, Coleman’s vehicle collided head-on with another car driven by 19-year-old Quidasiah Teachey from Franklinton. Katana Perry was a passenger in Carter’s vehicle and suffered fatal injuries from the crash. Carter himself sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while Teachey was treated for minor injuries.
Despite the severity of the crash, authorities have stated that impairment was not suspected as a contributing factor for Coleman. He is currently hospitalized in critical condition due to injuries sustained in the collision. Formal charges have been filed against him, including Misdemeanor Death by Vehicle and driving the wrong way on a dual-lane highway. These charges will be officially served once Coleman is released from medical care and able to face legal proceedings.
The crash led to the closure of all northbound lanes on Capital Boulevard at Star Road, a disruption that lasted until around 3:45 a.m. on the following day. The police and highway patrol conducted thorough on-scene investigations to piece together the sequence of events that led to the devastating collision. This closure, while necessary for the investigation, further impacted the community’s evening, adding to the shock and grief felt by residents.
The sudden and tragic loss of Katana Perry has sent ripples of sorrow across the community. On social media, heartfelt tributes from family, classmates, friends, and colleagues have flooded in, painting a picture of a young woman full of life and promise. Descriptions of Katana emphasize her joyful spirit, kindness, and vibrant personality—qualities that made her beloved by many. Her untimely passing has left an irreplaceable void among those who knew her and those who admired her from afar.
Beyond her personal connections, Katana’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wrong-way drivers and the need for increased vigilance and safety measures on busy roadways like Capital Boulevard. The authorities continue to urge witnesses and anyone with information related to the crash to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Such cooperation is vital in ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the incident and in helping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Wake Forest Police Department has made a public appeal for information and can be reached at 919-554-6150. Even the smallest detail could prove crucial in painting a clearer picture of what transpired on that tragic night.
Katana’s story is a poignant example of how swiftly life can change and how precious every moment truly is. As the community mourns her passing, there is a collective hope that justice will be served, and that steps will be taken to improve road safety and awareness.
In the coming days and weeks, plans for memorial services and tributes to honor Katana Perry’s life will likely emerge, giving family, friends, and community members a chance to gather, remember, and celebrate the young woman whose spirit shone so brightly.
While the pain of loss weighs heavily, the memory of Katana’s joy, kindness, and vibrancy will continue to inspire those who knew her to cherish their loved ones and to prioritize safety on the roads.
Her legacy is not just in the life she lived, but in the love and laughter she brought to others—reminders of a soul that will never be forgotten.