Editor’s note: Carefully and accurately writing about events that occur on Ocracoke is important to the Ocracoke Observer staff, both as newspaper professionals and island residents.
Today’s story about the tragic death of Howdy Frantz was reported sooner than it might ordinarily have been because this reporter, editor of the Observer, was herself headed to catch the ferry and had just turned around to go back because overwash had made the road impassable. She witnessed the accident and went to help, discovering that the vehicle occupants were her neighbors. She comforted Janet while first-responders were doing their jobs.
Regarding the tragic death of Howdy, Janet is his next of kin and was at the scene. Hyde County Sheriff Captain Joe Smith, the law enforcement officer in charge, would not have released Howdy’s name had that not been the case.
The Observer offers our heartfelt condolences to the Frantz family.
By Connie Leinbach
An Ocracoke Island man, Warren Howard Frantz of Sunset Drive, died this morning after his vehicle sailed off an overwashed NC12 at the north end of Ocracoke and landed in sandbags alongside the road.
Frantz, 61, and his wife, Janet, were driving to catch the 11 a.m. ferry leaving Ocracoke when as the vehicle hit water on the road, it went airborne and off to the right toward the ocean.
A bystander, islander Thurston Sumner, ran to the vehicle and was able to get the woman out of the car. This reporter stood with Janet, who said she’d suffered a broken arm.
Soon afterwards, Hyde County EMS and members of the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene to attend to Warren, known as “Howdy,” who was still trapped in the vehicle.
Hyde County Sheriff Captain Joe Smith confirmed that despite rescue efforts and CPR, Howdy had died but Smith did not have further details.
The NCDOT has closed the road from the pony pens northward because of the hazardous conditions and after the 11 a.m. ferry left the NC Ferry Division suspended Hatteras ferry runs.
More details will be reported after the Observer hears from officials.
Update: This story was updated at 2:30 with the names of vehicle occupants released by officials. A correction to Warren Frantz’s name was made to a previous update in which he was referred to as William. The Observer apologizes for the error.
