Uber Accident Injury Attorneys in Beaufort, NC

By Mike McCombs and Amber Hewitt

The Island News

A North Carolina man drowned at Hunting Island State Park just after noon on Friday, July 4, while trying to save his children.

The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office, on Saturday morning, identified the deceased as 38-year-old Paul Peters from Indian Trail, N.C.

Peters and his wife, Emily, and their two children – Asher, 4, and Ezra, 7 — were in Beaufort County on vacation, according to a source at the scene of the incident.

According to witnesses at the scene, between 11:35 and 11:40 a.m., on Hunting Island’s North Beach, Peters went in the water to assist his children, who were “in trouble” in the water. Peters reached the children, but according to witnesses, was caught in a rip current and began to struggle.

Several men went in to the water to help. They were able to get the children to safety, but by the time they could get Peters to shore, he had been under the water for some time.

Bystanders started to perform CPR, and EMS continued the life-saving efforts upon arrival. According to witnesses, EMS, “pumped a bunch of water out, but he never regained consciousness.”

The Coroner’s Office declared him dead, on scene, at 12:10 p.m.

Sixteen-year-old Taylor Durrance of Beaufort and her family were in the middle of the rescue efforts on Friday.

Durrance said she was sitting on the beach, listening to music, when she got a strange feeling. She said she looked up and realized something was happening.

“I saw people surrounding this man on the beach,” she said. “I didn’t really see them doing CPR yet, I think they had just [dragged] him on shore.”

She said she called out to her father, Bryan, and her brother, Matthew, that she thought this man was drowning.

“That’s when my brother found out his little boys were drowning as well,” she said.

Taylor Durrance said Ezra was pulled out of the water first, but she didn’t believe he was actually drowning but had “just swallowed some water.”

Asher was being helped by “a man in pink shorts,” though they were repeatedly being pulled back in the current.

Matthew Durrance, 22, went out into the water and retrieved Asher from the man and brought him to Taylor.

Taylor Durrance said she continued to slap Asher’s back, getting the water out of him a bit at a time, until there was one big cough and he got rid of most of the water and could breathe.

She said when the 4 year old was able to talk, he immediately asked, “Where’s my dad?”

“It just broke my heart,” she said.

While all of this was happening, Taylor Durrance said her father, Bryan Durrance, was among the group of bystanders surrounding Paul Peters and performing CPR. She said Emily Peters asked her to watch her children while she joined the group of people tending to her husband.

Taylor Durrance said the whole situation was “really sad” and a bit surreal. It might sound strange, she said, but “It felt kind of … quiet.”

This is the second drowning this week at Hunting Island. Steven Thackston, a 65-year-old male from Decatur, Ga., was pronounced dead from drowning at approximately 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, July 1, according to the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.

The red flag was flying at Hunting Island’s North Beach on Friday, which indicates High Hazard, meaning the surf is hazardous, often due to strong currents, high waves, or other unsafe conditions.

Under a red flag, swimming is often prohibited, and not recommended for anyone other than experienced, strong swimmers.

When speaking with The Island News, Durrance said she wouldn’t have normally talked about an event like this, but she struggled to sleep Friday night, and every time she closed her eyes, she kept reliving the event.

She felt like those not from the Beaufort area might not realize just how serious the conditions can be at Hunting Island.

“These oceans aren’t what they think they are,” she said. “They have to be aware of the currents. If it’s a red flag, don’t go in the water.”

Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at [email protected].

Amber Hewitt is a photographer for The Island News.

Have you ever dreamt about hopping a transatlantic flight and exploring the French Riviera with nothing but a few good novels, a retro bathing suit, and a big floppy hat? Sometimes I daydream exactly like this, and then reality creeps in and I get distracted by things like work, finances, and other day-to-day responsibilities. But what if I told you that there is a place in North Carolina comparable to the French Riviera, particularly Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, but at a fraction of the cost? Sounds too good to be true, maybe, but it's not. Welcome to the coastal town of Beaufort, North Carolina. Here's why this is the perfect European dupe, but right in our own backyard.

This is Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, a quiet coastal town with so much charm, color, and waterfront views. It's a dreamscape that deserves to be visited in one's lifetime. If the cobbled lanes and pastel harbors are calling your name, the good news is you don’t have to cross the Atlantic to satisfy your seaside daydreams. Beaufort, North Carolina—pronounced BOH-fert, unlike its South Carolina counterpart—offers a stateside alternative that rivals Villefranche-sur-Mer in charm, atmosphere, and coastal beauty. While the Mediterranean might get the glory, this quiet gem on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast brings European allure to the American South, with fewer crowds, friendlier prices, and plenty of character.

Founded in 1709, Beaufort is North Carolina’s third-oldest town and it shows off its heritage with pride. The historic district is a lovely blend of waterfront homes, vintage cottages, and centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Much like Villefranche’s winding alleys and varied buildings, Beaufort’s Front Street radiates Old World elegance with a Southern twist. You can spend an afternoon strolling past art galleries, locally owned boutiques, and waterside cafés with sailboats bobbing just feet away.

What makes Beaufort particularly special is its seamless connection to nature. Just across Taylor’s Creek is the Rachel Carson Reserve, a protected estuary that’s home to wild horses, dolphins, and a kaleidoscope of coastal birds. It’s a peaceful view from the Beaufort boardwalk, and even better by kayak or paddleboard.

Like Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaufort embraces its seafaring identity. You’ll find world-class fresh seafood in cozy waterfront restaurants, with soft-shell crab, shrimp and grits, and local oysters taking center stage. For a true taste of the town, grab a table at Moonrakers or Front Street Grill, where views of the marina and marshland stretch into the horizon. The slower pace and genuine hospitality create a dining experience that feels as intimate as a candlelit dinner on the Riviera—just swap the rosé for a Carolina craft beer if you like.

For those who crave a little adventure with their elegance, Beaufort also serves as a perfect jumping-off point for Crystal Coast explorations. A short boat ride will take you to Cape Lookout National Seashore, where the iconic lighthouse and untouched beaches feel like a private paradise. Or visit the nearby town of Morehead City, known for its lively seafood festival and deep-sea fishing opportunities.

The best part? While Villefranche-sur-Mer may require months of planning and a passport, Beaufort offers that timeless, windswept beauty with far less hassle. So this summer, skip the stress of overseas travel and discover a coastal escape that’s just as picturesque—and a lot closer to home.

BEAUFORT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A disease known for devastating trees and other plants has been found in two eastern Carolina counties.

The N.C. Forest Service says laurel wilt, a fatal disease for redbay and other plants in the Laurel family, was found on private property in Beaufort and Greene counties.

Trees are infected with the fungus that causes laurel wilt by an invasive species of redbay ambrosia beetles.

The Forest Service says the disease was found after crews surveyed more than 1,700 miles across North Carolina this winter for signs of laurel wilt.

Trees with the disease often retain their leaves even after the tree is dead, which makes detection easier in the winter months.

According to the Forest Service, this is the first time the disease has been detected in both counties.

Laurel wilt has been detected in twenty-one counties across the state, running the risk of infection for trees and plants like sassafras, redbay, swampbay, ponberry, pondspice and spicebush.

The disease was detected in western Greene County near Wayne County and Beaufort County along the Bay City Highway near the Pamlico County line.

Laurel wilt has been seen in parts of eastern Carolina before, including in Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, Pitt and Wayne counties.

The Forest Service says there is no reliable way to treat laurel wilt, and insecticides have been ineffective at stopping beetle attacks.

According to officials, the best way to slow the spread of the disease is by using local or treated firewood and contacting a local Forest Service county ranger if the disease is found.

Homeowners are asked to keep dead redbay trees on their property.

More information and a map that shows where laurel wilt has been detected can be found here.

Copyright 2025 WITN. All rights reserved.

With summer quickly approaching, a beach vacation is sounding better by the minute. With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline across the US, there is certainly no shortage of options. The hardest part might be choosing where to go! If you are eyeing the Atlantic Coast, one town in particular excels in both its scenic location and its warm hospitality. Beaufort, located along the central coast of North Carolina, is home to fewer than 5,000 residents. Still, its annual food and wine festivals, holiday celebrations, cozy bed and breakfasts, and friendly cruises have earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the friendliest coastal towns on the Atlantic.

Community Festivals

With several festivals per season, Beaufort’s community always finds a reason to celebrate. Each spring, the town hosts the Beaufort Music Festival, a two-day event that features live music at the Gallants Channel waterfront venue. Food trucks are also on site, keeping attendees well-fed throughout the day. Food and wine lovers will appreciate the bi-annual Beaufort Wine & Food Fest, which takes place in the spring and again in the fall. Established in 2005, this festival raises money for local charities, meaning that you can feel good about your spending. One of the most beloved activities of the event is the oyster roast, with other activities including beer and wine tastings and live music.

For a quirky Fourth of July, stop by Beaufort for the town’s annual Fourth of July Parade. Later on, a fireworks display concludes the evening. A little over a month later, in August, the town comes to life with pirates for the annual Pirate Invasion. Activities during this weekend include sword fighters, black powder demos with cannons, professional magicians, pirate musicians, and bullwhip demos.

In December, travelers can experience the holiday magic during the Beaufort Business Association's Annual Christmas Parade. Throughout the holiday season, the town also hosts a variety of Christmas activities, such as pet photos with Santa, Santa in his Workshop, holiday art walks, holiday markets, a sing-along at the Christmas tree, and more.

Bed & Breakfasts and Inns

One of the best ways to get a sense for Beaufort’s hospitality is by staying in one of its charming local inns. Pecan Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful option for travelers wanting to stay on a historic property. This inn, constructed as a home in 1866 and remodeled in 1901, is an excellent example of Victorian architecture. In 1992, the owners renovated it into a bed and breakfast. Today, visitors can enjoy wide porches, a koi pond, and a garden patio, along with a homemade breakfast each morning. Breakfast menus rotate and can include frittata, strata, poached eggs, breakfast meats, potato dishes, French toast, and more.

Seeking an inn right on the waterfront? You will love the Inlet Inn. For nearly four decades, this inn has been a seaside favorite for travelers, offering 36 comfortable rooms, most of which have waterfront porches and rocking chairs. Some rooms on the first floor even have cozy fireplaces. Each morning, the inn also includes a complimentary continental breakfast that staff will deliver right to your door. On the breakfast menu, visitors can expect to find items like quiche, muffins, Brazilian & Guatemalan coffee, tea, and orange juice.

Hospitable Restaurants

Beaufort’s restaurants are not only welcoming but also offer an impressively diverse range of cuisines. If you are seeking some hearty southern-style cuisine, consider dining at 34 Degrees North, a restaurant and bar that is located on the waterfront. This restaurant supports the local agricultural community by using seasonal ingredients from farmers and fishermen, with a few of the dishes including shrimp and grits, local grouper, and dry rubbed pork chop. Moonrakers is another waterfront dining option, specializing in coastal cuisine and seasonal seafood. Stop in for dinner, and a few of the plates you might see on the menu are clam chowder, fisherman’s seafood stew, and grilled mahi.

If you are craving something a bit more international, make a reservation at Blue Moon Bistro. Set in a historic 1827 home, the friendly culinary team at this restaurant offers modern French cuisine. Chefs Josh and Jayson work closely with local farmers in the area to ensure the freshest ingredients, with a few of the entrees on the menu including shrimp etouffee, fish du jour, seared duck breast, and filet mignon.

Cruises & Water Recreation

While in Beaufort, you will probably want to get out on the water, and what better way than with a friendly captain on a cruise? Lookout Cruises is a trusted company to consider. Steve Bishop founded the company in 1995, making the company a premier name in the coastal region. Captain Robert Morris has since taken over, offering that same level of hospitality and satisfaction to passengers. Passengers can choose from several cruises to embark on. The Cape Lookout Cruise is approximately six hours and allows visitors to see the beautiful and historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse. There will also be stops for lunch, snorkeling, swimming, and shelling. Prefer to catch a beautiful North Carolina sunset? Sunset Sail Cruises depart each evening, allowing you to relax and take in the waterways as the sun goes down.

If you want to explore the waters at your own pace, consider arranging a rental with Beaufort Paddle. You will find that this local, family-owned rental company is just as friendly, offering single kayak, tandem kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. When you rent from Beaufort Paddle, you can launch right from their private dock, take the gear to your spot, or have it delivered wherever you plan to paddle.

Final Thoughts

Vacations tend to put people in a good mood regardless of the destination. However, if you want to add an extra dose of warmth and hospitality, Beaufort, North Carolina, is sure to leave a big smile on your face. Whether you explore the waters on a cruise with a friendly local captain, relax at a historic bed and breakfast, or savor a southern-inspired meal at one of the waterfront restaurants, you will come in contact with friendly faces from start to finish.

Zac Hoyt and Kevin Jones, of Maverik Asher Capital, are designing and building what they expect to be the most technologically advanced RV and glamping resort in the world.

With its first 80 sites opening in 2026, Hidden Beach RV Resort in Beaufort, N.C., will not only offer paperless check-ins, gigabit speed Wi-Fi and EV chargers, but robotic technology and Tesla robots that serve coffee and mixed drinks, pick up trash, staff the camp store and even deliver to your door.

“We’re looking to shake things up in the industry, do some big things,” said Hoyt, Maverik Asher Capital’s CEO, adding that the project is being financed with investor capital he raises through his Wyoming company.

While robotic technology will be used to serve coffee and drinks, the system will involve an automated arm that moves around a machine to gather the requested drinks and serve them to guests. Hoyt and Jones plan to use robotic bartenders designed by MakrShakr of Turin, Italy.

Tesla Optimus robots that resemble humans will be used to collect trash and perform other tasks, such as providing concierge services, while entertaining guests with their presence and functionality as they walk around the resort.

Hoyt and Jones anticipate that guests will be drawn to the resort not only by its robots, robotic arms and other technological innovations, but by its scenic beachfront location and glamping accommodations along the North Carolina coast.

The 75-acre resort will initially feature five furnished geodesic domes as well as six furnished modern treehouses that are up on stilts 30 feet in the air, which will have terrific sunset views of a saltwater lagoon and the Neuse River inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. RV rentals, including vintage Airstream travel trailers and technologically advanced Hollywood Trucks, will also be available at the resort, as well as an upscale tiny home community section.

Park amenities will include swimming pools, a grand clubhouse with a meandering 500-foot lazy river, a two-mile nature & fitness trail, and eco-friendly rain gardens.

While the first 80 RV sites are expected to open next year, the resort will eventually grow to 300 sites, said Jones, Maverik Asher Capital’s COO.

In the meantime, Jones and Hoyt said they are looking at other fun technologies to include at their resort, which they think could serve as a model for futurist RV and glamping resorts across the country.

They have compiled a short video to promote their resort, which you can view below.